A 15-METRE deep mine shaft has opened up on a Bendigo Health property.

Last week a plumber doing some work on some units owned by the hospital in Lucan Street reported the “disappearance” of the property’s stormwater pit.

“We dug a small hole and realised it was a mineshaft,” Bendigo Health executive director of Building and Infrastructure David Walker said.

“Yesterday we dug out the concrete driveway and sure enough there was a big mine shaft.”

Mr Walker said he was working with Bendigo Mining and the Department of Sustainability and Environment to further investigate the shaft and ways to re-seal it.

“At the moment it is about 10 to 15 metres deep, but we are still pumping water out,” he said.

“We are also looking at the best way to cap it.”

Unfortunately for Mr Walker, and the hospital’s Christmas Appeal, there was no gold in the shaft.

“No nice surprise for Christmas,” he said.

To see the shaft, see attachments below