Imagine waking up to find a massive sinkhole has swallowed part of your local football oval—a place where families gather, kids play, and communities connect. That's exactly what happened in Heidelberg, Melbourne's north-east, leaving residents stunned and deeply concerned. But here's where it gets controversial: many locals are pointing fingers at the North East Link road project, wondering if the underground tunnelling works are to blame for this alarming collapse.
On Monday evening, a large sinkhole appeared at AJ Burkitt Oval in Banyule Flats Reserve, prompting authorities to establish an exclusion zone. The ground caved in on Beverley Road, sparking immediate speculation among residents who gathered at the scene. Police and SES officers swiftly closed off the area, prioritizing public safety. Banyule Council echoed this caution, urging locals to steer clear of the sinkhole in a social media post. 'For everyone's safety, Victoria Police have cordoned off the affected area,' they stated. 'Please avoid the area until further notice. We're working closely with relevant agencies to assess the situation and determine the next steps.'
The North East Link, a 6.5-kilometre underground road project that began in 2024, runs directly beneath Banyule Flats. Once completed, it will boast the longest twin tunnels in Victoria, plunging as deep as 45 metres underground. According to the project's website, one of its two massive boring machines—affectionately named Zelda and Gillian—is currently operating near the site of the sinkhole. And this is the part most people miss: this isn't the first time the project has been linked to sinkholes. In February 2025, tunnelling works at Lower Plenty were halted after a similar incident occurred.
Residents like Nadine, who regularly exercises around the oval, are now on edge. 'It's unsettling to know there's a sinkhole so close to where we come every day,' she shared. 'I really hope this isn't a recurring issue throughout the North East Link project.' Bao, another frequent visitor to the reserve, echoed her concerns. 'It's a little scary, especially since it's so close to where I spend my time,' he said. 'I just hope it doesn't get any bigger.'
The connection between the sinkhole and the North East Link project remains under scrutiny, with many questioning whether the ambitious infrastructure plan is compromising the stability of the surrounding land. Here’s the bold question: Are the benefits of the North East Link worth the potential risks to our communities and landscapes? The ABC has reached out to North East Link and the state government for comment, but the debate is already heating up. What do you think? Is this an isolated incident, or a red flag for future projects? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the conversation going.
