URGENT UPDATE: A massive sinkhole has dramatically opened up on a sports field in Heidelberg, Melbourne, sparking immediate concern among local residents and officials. The sinkhole, several meters wide, emerged on the evening of October 16, 2023, at AJ Burkitt Reserve, an area currently undergoing tunneling for the critical North East Link project.
Eyewitnesses expressed disbelief as photos of the gaping hole circulated on social media, drawing a crowd that gathered to witness the unusual event. The State Emergency Service quickly established an exclusion zone around the site, advising the public to steer clear for safety reasons. Fortunately, there have been no reports of injuries.
The oval, utilized by both Banyule Football Club and Banyule Cricket Club, has been significantly impacted. Steve Andrews, a volunteer with the Heidelberg West Football Club, revealed that his club was alerted to the situation by concerned locals mistaking the affected ground for their own. The junior girls’ cricket team will need to relocate at least two matches before the season concludes.
As tunneling machines Gillian and Zelda work just north of the oval, officials are investigating the cause of this sudden geological failure. The North East Link project, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion by connecting the Eastern Freeway in Bulleen to the Metropolitan Ring Road at Greensborough, has faced multiple challenges, including budget overruns. The current projected cost stands at a staggering $26 billion, more than double the initial estimate of $10 billion from its announcement by the Andrews government in 2016.
This isn’t the first time the area has experienced sinkhole issues; earlier in February 2025, a similar incident occurred near the tunnel’s boring machines in Lower Plenty. The toll road is expected to open in 2028 and could potentially remove 15,000 trucks from suburban streets, halving travel times for thousands of commuters.
As authorities continue to assess the situation, residents are urged to stay updated and avoid the area. The latest developments are unfolding quickly, and further information is anticipated from the project’s officials. Stay tuned for more breaking news updates as this story evolves.
