A large sinkhole, several metres wide, has opened at a sports oval where tunnel-boring machines are carving out a major underground road project.
The sinkhole was discovered on Monday at AJ Burkitt Oval in Banyule Flats Reserve, at Heidelberg in Melbourne’s northeast.
Residents quickly gathered at the scene, though the area has been roped off for safety.
“For everyone’s safety, Victoria Police have cordoned off the affected area. Please avoid the area until further notice,” a Banyule City Council spokesperson said.
“Council is working closely with relevant agencies to assess the situation and determine what’s next.”
Multiple sporting clubs use the recreational reserve, including the Banyule Cricket Club.
The sinkhole is located near the North East Link road tunnel, which began work in 2024, and is being constructed underneath Banyule Reserve.
Once completed, the 6.5km tunnels will run 45 metres underground.
The North East Link website shows its tunnel boring machines are operating close to where the sinkhole formed.
A spokesperson for the project said it was aware the sinkhole had emerged near tunnelling operations.
“The team is aware of a reported surface hole in the Heidelberg area and is currently investigating this as a priority,” the spokesperson told AAP.
In February 2025, construction for the project was halted after the discovery of a sinkhole near its Lower Plenty worksite.
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