HEIDELBERG, VIC. — The football ground at AJ Burkitt Oval at Banyule Flats Reserve on Beverley Road has caved in.
An exclusion zone has been set up at a recreational reserve in Heidelberg, in Melbourne’s north-east, after a large sinkhole appeared on a sporting oval on Monday.
Locals gathered at the oval on Monday evening, and are gathering this (Tuesday, January 6) morning, with many questioning whether underground tunnelling works for the North East Link road project caused the collapse.
Police and SES officers closed the oval and have declared the area off-limits to protect the community.
Banyule City Council urged locals to stay away from the sinkhole.
“For everyone’s safety, Victoria Police have cordoned off the affected area,” Banyule City Council said in a social media post.
“Please avoid the area until further notice.
“Council is working closely with relevant agencies to assess the situation and determine what’s next.”
Construction for the North East Link began in 2024 and passes underneath Banyule Flats.
When completed, the 6.5-kilometre underground road will be the longest twin tunnels in Victoria and, in parts, will run 45 metres underground.
The North East Link website shows that one of its two boring machines — nicknamed Zelda and Gillian — is currently operating close to where the sinkhole has formed.
VicNews has contacted North East Link, Banyule City Council and the state government for comment.
Parts of this report are from ABC News and 3LO talkback callers.
