Mayoral statement: Impact of earthquake

Published on 23 September 2021

Yesterday morning’s earthquake was felt widely across Frankston City.

The 5.8 magnitude earthquake, which was 10km deep with an epicentre near Mansfield, caused some superficial damage in the Frankston Civic Centre and the building was subsequently evacuated. Importantly, no one was injured. 

I am pleased to say that we have thoroughly investigated the damage and the building has been found to be safe to occupy. This work was completed by a Building Surveyor and Structural Engineer.

An audit of other Council facilities for damage is ongoing and I urge residents with concerns or who witness damage to these facilities or infrastructure managed by Council such as footpaths to contact us via the Snap Send Solve App. Our Teams will always respond as quickly as possible and for more information, please click here.

Following yesterday’s earthquake, aftershocks are highly likely and the critical advice for those indoors when an earthquake occurs is to ‘Drop, Cover and Hold on’. That is, drop and cover (under a sturdy table or piece of furniture) and hold on; stay indoors until the shaking stops and you are sure it is safe to exit; exit once the shaking stops – remaining in a damaged building after an earthquake is dangerous and may put your life at risk. For more information about how to stay safe during an earthquake, please visit https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/plan-and-stay-safe/emergencies/earthquake

Any residents who have experienced damage to their properties should contact the State Emergency Service (SES). For further information, please visit https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/

I’m acutely aware the earthquake has undoubtedly added to the stress and uncertainty we’re all feeling due to the current lockdown as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. These feelings of stress and anxiety have been exacerbated by the recent protests in central Melbourne.

Yesterday’s earthquake is another hurdle, but is not insurmountable. We’re a resilient community and together we’ll come out of this stronger than before.

In the meantime, stay safe and look out for each other. Those who need help as a result of the pandemic can contact our Relief and Recovery Call Centre. Our helpful staff are only a call way and can be contacted on 9768 1387. The centre is open Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm and for more information, please visit https://www.frankston.vic.gov.au/Our-Community/Community-Development/Community-Recovery-Call-Centre

For further information about the earthquake, please click here and for emergency updates, please visit https://emergency.vic.gov.au