Sinkhole at AJ Burkitt Reserve

Published on 02 April 2026

The information on this page is being updated regularly. The latest update was made at on Thursday 2 April 2026.

Works to remediate the sinkhole continue and we anticipate the reserve will be handed back to Council late-April 2026.

Removal of concrete from the surface hole has now been completed with soil backfilling under way in preparation to reinstate turf and restore the grounds.

As the tunnelling works continue, ground condition monitoring also continues and part of the Main Yarra Trail will remain closed. The trail closure and detours will remain in place until excavation of the tunnel cross passages are complete.

Path open

The main Yarra Trail that runs along AJ Burkitt Reserve is now safely back open. Boring machines have completed work in the area as part of Victoria's Big Build.

Background

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

Spark, the North East Link Project (NELP) tunnelling contractor, took charge of the site to fix the issue. Council has been pleased to see that NELP and Spark have been fully committed to fixing the damage as soon as its able to be done.

The area has since been stabilised and deemed safe by Worksafe Victoria.

To date, the following works have occurred:

  • Spark has filled the sinkhole with concrete to stabilise the area.
  • Regular and extensive testing to ensure safety and stability of the ground by drilling into the ground and grouting to re-fill drill holes.
  • Removed the upper 2 metres of concrete in preparation to replace it with soil and turf.
  • Reinstate ground levels 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.

Some areas 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.

Most recent video update

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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