Sinkhole at AJ Burkitt Reserve

Published on 06 January 2026

The information on this page is being updated regularly. The latest update was made at 11:45am, Wednesday 28 January 2026.

Path closure

On Sunday 25 January, Council was advised that a portion of the shared user path next to the AJ Burkitt Reserve will be closed as one of the tunnel boring machines passes beneath the surface.

Spark, the North East Link Project contractor have temporarily closed the path due to complex ground conditions beneath the surface where the tunnel boring machines (TBM's) are tunnelling.

While this won't be before the weekend, Spark aim to open the path as quickly as possible.

There is no immediate risk to surrounding homes as the TBMs are no longer in close proximity to households.
Detours of the walking and cycling path will remain in place with the support of around the clock traffic controllers.

We apologise for the inconvenience during this time. For more information visit the Big Build website.

Closure and detour

The shared path connecting Possum Hollow Playground to Banyule Tennis Club is closed. A signed detour is in place along Buckingham Drive and Beverley Road.

AJ Burkitt Reserve shared path closure and detour map applicable from 25 Jan 2026 onwards

Other updates

On Monday 5 January, a sinkhole opened on AJ Burkitt Reserve, Heidelberg.

Spark, the North East Link Project (NELP) tunnelling contractor, is currently in charge of the site and is fixing the issue. The area has been stabilised and deemed safe by Worksafe Victoria.

Council is pleased to see that NELP and Spark are fully committed to fixing the damage as soon as its able to be done.

To date, the following works have occurred:

  • Spark has filled the sinkhole with concrete to stabilise the area.
  • Continued testing is taking place to ensure safety and stability of the ground.
  • Once testing is complete, the upper 2 metres of concrete will be replaced with soil and turf, and ground levels will be reinstated in line with requirements set by Council.
  • NELP and Spark have kept Council informed along the way. We're pleased to see financial assistance being offered to the local clubs that have had to relocate training and games to other grounds.

The area remains closed while works and monitoring continue.

Spark will keep nearby residents informed as works progress, and we will inspect all works before the site reopens to the public.

Please continue to avoid the area so works can get under way safely. There is no confirmed time for when the oval will reopen.

Contact

For any queries or concerns, please reach out to NELP online 24-hour, 7-days-a-week or on 1800 105 105.

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