Is Melbourne safe from earthquake? Could a big earthquake hit Melbourne?

Melbourne is the coastal capital of the southeastern Australian state of Victoria. At the city’s center is the modern Federation Square development, with plazas, bars, and restaurants by the Yarra River. In the Southbank area, the Melbourne Arts Precinct is the site of Arts Centre Melbourne – a performing arts complex – and the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and indigenous art.

Is Melbourne safe from earthquakes?

“We expect earthquakes to happen in Victoria, but not more than other states,” Mousavi said. “We get minor earthquakes all over Australia.” The entirety of Australia sits on the Australian tectonic plate, which is classified as a stable continental plate.

Could a big earthquake hit Melbourne?

We have faults beneath Melbourne. “We know that these faults can generate magnitude five, magnitude six, earthquakes and bigger. So a scenario whereby there is a Christchurch-sized earthquake in Melbourne is absolutely a plausible scenario.