A government investigation has concluded that a massive sinkhole that appeared at a popular Melbourne sporting ground earlier this year resulted from a preventable pressure test conducted by tunnel workers. The eight-meter chasm emerged at AJ Burkitt Oval in Heidelberg, located near one of Victoria’s largest tunnel infrastructure projects, causing significant community concern and requiring immediate safety fencing.
Paul Roth, Interim CEO of VIDA Roads—the government body overseeing major projects including the North East Link and West Gate Tunnel—stated that the pressure test performed by tunnel boring machine operators destabilized geologically complex ground conditions. Despite having comprehensive geological data indicating the challenging subsurface environment, workers proceeded with the test which ultimately triggered the collapse.
“This is a very serious incident, and we’ve taken it very seriously,” Roth told media on Friday following the conclusion of investigations. “We are exceptionally disappointed and share the community’s disappointment and frustration.” He explicitly acknowledged that the test “should not have taken place” and confirmed the incident was preventable.
Authorities report that North East Link boring machines were operating directly beneath AJ Burkitt Reserve when the incident occurred. While workers had successfully navigated through the complex geological zone as planned, the subsequent pressure test caused the ground collapse. Despite the significant incident, Roth confirmed the $26 billion tunnel project would not experience delays or additional costs due to the sinkhole.
Remediation work has already commenced, with crews filling the massive hole with concrete. Restoration efforts including returfing the affected area are expected to be completed by March. WorkSafe continues to monitor the situation as repair operations progress.