Massive sinkhole opens up near major tunnel project

A large hole, several meters wide, was opened in the sports oval, where tunnel boring machines created a large underground road project.

The sinkhole was discovered on Monday at AJ Burkitt Oval in the Banyule Flats Reserve in Heidelberg, northeast of Melbourne.

While the surrounding areas were cordoned off for security purposes, citizens gathered at the scene in a short time.

A Banyule City Council spokesman said: “Victoria Police has cordoned off the affected area for everyone’s safety. Please avoid the area until further notice.”

“The council is working closely with relevant agencies to assess the situation and determine what comes next.”

Numerous sports clubs use the recreational reserve, including Banyule Cricket Club.

The sinkhole is located near the North East Link road tunnel being built under the Banyule Reserve, which started work in 2024.

When the 6.5 kilometer tunnels are completed, it will go 45 meters underground.

The North East Link website shows tunnel boring machines working close to where the sinkholes formed.

A project spokesman said he was aware that the pit had appeared near tunneling operations.

“The team is aware of a reported surface hole in the Heidelberg area and is currently investigating this as a priority,” the spokesman told AAP.

In February 2025, construction of the project was halted after a sinkhole was discovered near the Lower Plenty site.