Official City Notice: 2026-27 Draft Budget Consultation and April 1 Infrastructure Works

Public Consultation: City of Melbourne Draft Budget 2026-27

The City of Melbourne has officially opened the public consultation period for the draft 2026-27 Budget, following its endorsement on March 31, 2026. Residents, business owners, and community members are invited to review the $804.8 million financial plan, which prioritizes urban safety, cleanliness, and greening initiatives. Key highlights of the proposed budget include:

• Safety and Cleaning: A $73.2 million investment aimed at expanding the Safe City camera network and doubling the Community Safety Officer workforce.
• Urban Greening: $26.4 million allocated to the "Garden City" program to increase canopy cover and local biodiversity.
• Infrastructure: A $175.1 million capital works program, including $35 million for the ongoing Queen Victoria Market renewal and $2 million for decorative laneway lighting.

Consultation remains active throughout Wednesday, 1 April 2026. Submissions can be made via the Participate Melbourne platform until 6:00 PM on 28 April 2026. The council will also host Listening Post events in various neighborhoods throughout April for in-person feedback.

Metropolitan Road Works and Maintenance

Transport Victoria and the Department of Transport and Planning have confirmed several significant road closures and maintenance projects active on Wednesday, 1 April 2026. Commuters should prepare for detours and allow additional travel time in the following areas:

• Brighton (Hampton Street): Asphalt resurfacing works conclude early Wednesday morning. All lanes are closed in both directions between Beach Road and Little Wood Street from 7:00 PM to 5:00 AM. Detours are in place via South Road and Bluff Road.
• Brooklyn (Docklands Highway): The highway is closed in both directions between Geelong Road and Cemetery Road for resurfacing. Detours are directed through Millers Road and the West Gate Freeway.
• Altona (Maddox Drain): Structure remediation works continue through early April, with local traffic management in place to facilitate drainage repairs.
• Heath Hill (Westernport Road): Ongoing rehabilitation works between Phillips Road and Mount Lyall Road will result in daytime lane closures.

Public Health Advisories

The Department of Health Victoria has maintained several active advisories for the metropolitan area as of April 1. Residents are urged to stay informed on the following health concerns:

• Legionnaires' Disease: An active alert remains for the Craigieburn area following identified cases. Residents should ensure cooling towers are maintained and report any pneumonia-like symptoms to a healthcare provider.
• Measles Alert: Health authorities continue to monitor an increased risk of measles across Victoria. Vaccination is strongly recommended for those planning international travel or those with incomplete immunization records.
• Seasonal Influenza: With the 2026 flu season approaching, the Department of Health anticipates the rollout of seasonal vaccines this month. The 2026 formulation includes updated strains for the Southern Hemisphere.