Official City Notices: Infrastructure Upgrades and Public Health Alerts for March 20

Public Health Advisory: Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak in Northern Suburbs

The Victorian Department of Health has issued an urgent health advisory following a confirmed outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Melbourne’s northern corridor. As of March 19, 2026, six cases have been notified, with investigations focusing on the Craigieburn, Mickleham, Greenvale, and Roxburgh Park areas. Residents or visitors who have frequented these suburbs since late February and develop flu-like symptoms—including fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath—are urged to seek immediate medical attention.

Health officials are currently testing local cooling towers and other potential water sources to identify the cause of the outbreak. Legionnaires’ disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, typically found in artificial water systems like cooling towers, spas, and warm water systems. While the bacteria are common, individuals over the age of 65, smokers, and those with underlying lung conditions or weakened immune systems are at a significantly higher risk of severe illness.

CBD Infrastructure: Little Lonsdale Street Works Conclusion

The City of Melbourne’s CBD North works program reached a significant milestone today, Friday, 20 March 2026. The service-proving activities on Little Lonsdale Street, between Russell Street and Swanston Street, are officially concluding. The full road closures that governed the area during the 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM shift will be lifted following the final inspection of the site this morning. Pedestrian access and standard traffic flow are expected to be fully restored throughout the day. The Council thanks local businesses and residents for their patience during these essential utility assessments.

Victoria’s Big Build: Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East Progress

Major construction activities for the Suburban Rail Loop (SRL) East are active across Monash and Mount Waverley this week. In Monash, crews are conducting essential day and night works along Howleys Road and Normanby Road, including service relocations and site preparation. In Mount Waverley, work continues on the emergency support facility with ongoing excavation and the installation of steel reinforcements.

• Traffic Impact: Intermittent lane closures and detours are in place. Please follow all posted signage and directions from traffic controllers.
• Community Management: To minimize disruption, the project team is utilizing street sweepers, water for dust suppression, and acoustic hoarding. Residents with specific concerns can contact the 24/7 project line at 1800 105 105.

Victorian Respiratory Surveillance Update

The latest seasonal surveillance report from the Department of Health indicates that respiratory illness activity, including COVID-19, Influenza, and RSV, remains at low inter-seasonal levels for late March. While healthcare providers have noted a slight uptick in COVID-19 notifications over the past three weeks, overall community transmission is stable. Public health officials recommend that residents, particularly those in high-risk categories, begin planning for their annual vaccinations ahead of the winter season.