Landslip incident

NSW Police, NSW Fire & Rescue and NSW SES responded to a landslip incident that occurred in the early morning of 23 May 2025 at 126 Russell Road, New Lambton.

Shortly after the incident the Newcastle Local Emergency Operations Centre was activated to provide a central location to coordinate the emergency response, led by the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) who is a senior member of Newcastle Police. City of Newcastle were one of several agencies supporting the response. 

The initial emergency response phase has now concluded, and the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) has closed. The site remains a declared danger area under an active evacuation notice.

All affected properties remain within the designated danger zone, and access continues to be restricted for safety reasons as ground conditions remain active and potentially unstable. Any entry into the area must be approved by the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON) or Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO). 

While the EOC is no longer active, the LEOCON and LEMO continue to work closely with City of Newcastle and relevant agencies to manage the danger area, and coordinate responses to affected residents. We are currently awaiting formal advice from the NSW Reconstruction Authority regarding the transition to recovery and will provide further updates as information becomes available. 

Last update - 23 July 2025, 3.05pm

Site status

Rainfall in early July has resulted in additional ground movement, demonstrating that the site remains unsafe. Regular monitoring will continue, with increased surveillance implemented around forecast wet weather. 

Geotechnical investigations

Planning continues for commencement of detailed geotechnical investigations, with legal and procurement processes underway to coordinate works on public land and access for works on private land. Residents are being provided updates on this process.

Financial assistance regarding rates payments

Following the landslip event on 23 May, City of Newcastle proactively implemented measures for the impacted ratepayers.  Under the Act, financial assistance beyond the initial measures established, requires a resolution of Council and must be placed on Public Notice before it can be applied. At last night's Ordinary Council Meeting, a motion was carried unanimously to proceed with the next step, which is publishing a public notice for 28 days noting Council's intention to grant financial assistance to ratepayers impacted by the landslip incident.

A motion was also carried for the Lord Mayor to write to relevant Ministers requesting financial assistance be provided in the form of an 'Act of Grace Payment' under the Government Sector Finance Act 2018 to the property owners impacted by the landslip.

Demolition order

City of Newcastle has issued a demolition order for one of the affected properties, following advice that the dwelling is at risk of structural collapse due to continued ground movement. This decision is not made lightly, but is necessary to prevent potential harm and reduce risk to surrounding environment, properties and infrastructure.

We understand the distress this may cause residents and will continue to work closely with the affected property owner to support them through this process.

Recovery

We continue to report weekly to the NSW Regional Recovery Committee and strongly advocate for formal involvement and support from the State Government's Reconstruction Authority.


The incident

A number of properties on Russell Road, Baker Street, Victoria Street and Portland Place have been impacted. Residents from these properties have been evacuated.

Damage has occurred to road infrastructure as well as underground utilities operated by Hunter Water, Ausgrid and City of Newcastle. The extent of this damage is being assessed and monitored.

Road closures are in place at:

  • Baker Street, New Lambton (partial)
  • Victoria Street, New Lambton (partial).

The community is asked to avoid the area while the response efforts and assessments are underway.

Russell Road is not impacted, however monitoring and assessment of both public and private infrastructure in the area will continue.


Past updates

Information has regularly been shared directly with affected residents by phone, email and community meetings in conjunction with, and in addition to, these web updates.

Update - 11 July 2025, 2.35pm
Update - 3 July 2025, 3.15pm
Update - 25 June 2025, 4.55pm
Update - 20 June 2025, 3.55pm
Update - 16 June 2025, 5.00pm
Update - 13 June 2025, 3.40pm
Update - 10 June 2025, 5.15pm
Update - 4 June 2025, 10.45am
Update - 3 June 2025, 6.00pm
Update - 1 June 2025, 9.45am
Update - 30 May 2025, 4.00pm
Update - 28 May 2025, 4.35pm
Information notice - 26 May 2025
Update - 25 May 2025, 7.30am
Page established - 23 May 2025


Supporting information

NSW Fair Trading, Help after the floods

This site outlines things you should be aware of after a natural disaster occurs, as well as information about financial support.

Legal Aid NSW, Disaster Response Legal Service 

The Disaster Response Legal Service is a free legal service supporting people who have been impacted by disasters including storms, floods and bushfires.

The service can help with legal issues such as insurance (including temporary accommodation, food spoilage, cash settlements and disputes), access to government disaster grants, tenancy and housing issues including urgent repairs and rent abatements, and financial hardship. Call 1800 801 529 to book a free appointment with a solicitor for phone advice.

Lifeline, 13 11 14 - Free 24-hour telephone crisis support.

Beyond Blue, 1300 22 46 36 - Free 24/7 counselling.

Kids Helpline, 1800 55 1800 - Free, private and confidential phone and online counselling for young people aged 5 to 25.

13YARN Australia, 13 92 76 - Crisis support line for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

1800RESPECT, 1800 737 732 - 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling.

NSW Mental Health Line, 1800 011 511 - Staffed by trained mental health professionals for advice and referrals.


How does City of Newcastle support the response to a significant incident or emergency in our city?

City of Newcastle plays an important role supporting emergency services or other agencies during a significant incident or emergency in our city. 

The most relevant emergency services or other agency will act as the lead, directing and coordinating the actions undertaken by the City of Newcastle and other supporting agencies.

Support through the Newcastle Emergency Operations Centre 

When an incident or emergency occurs, the Local Emergency Operations Controller (LEOCON), usually a senior member of NSW Police, can activate the Newcastle Emergency Operations Centre (EOC). Once activated, City of Newcastle provides resources to support the EOC and LEOCON including:

  • An operations centre located at 12 Stewart Ave designed to support multi-agency coordination with:
    • Live-streaming and display screens
    • Meeting and break out spaces
    • Backup power via diesel generators.
  • Staffing support, including:
    • A Local Emergency Management Officer (LEMO) to assist with coordination.
    • Operational, administration or logistics support as required.

Helping to share information to the community

City of Newcastle serves as an information conduit, to help keep the community informed by:

  • Sharing relevant emergency management information from the LEOCON and lead agency such as via our website or social media channels, or supporting community information sessions
  • Sharing updates, warnings, and alerts from emergency services on our social media channels.

We are committed to supporting emergency services in responding to incidents and emergencies to help protect our community.