Public Notice: Weekend Service Updates and Community Advisories

Official Public Notice: Earth Hour 20th Anniversary Participation

The City of Melbourne officially announces its participation in Earth Hour 2026, marking the 20th anniversary of this global environmental movement. On Saturday, 28 March, the city’s skyline will dim for one hour starting at 8:30 pm. Residents and local businesses are encouraged to switch off all non-essential lighting to show collective support for climate action. Major landmarks scheduled to go dark include AAMI Park, Margaret Court Arena, John Cain Arena, and the Parliament Gardens. Building managers in the CBD are advised to ensure all non-essential advertising signage and decorative lighting are powered down between 8:30 pm and 9:30 pm. Public safety and essential security lighting will remain operational throughout the event.

Active Health Alert: Legionnaires’ Disease Outbreak (Northern Suburbs)

The Department of Health has issued an urgent health alert following an outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in Melbourne’s northern corridor. As of late March 2026, multiple cases have been notified involving individuals who spent time in Craigieburn and the surrounding suburbs of Mickleham, Greenvale, and Roxburgh Park. The Chief Health Officer advises that anyone who has visited these areas since late February and develops flu-like symptoms—including fever, chills, cough, and shortness of breath—should seek immediate medical attention. Health officials are currently testing local cooling towers and water systems in the region to identify and treat the source of the bacteria. Healthcare professionals are urged to remain vigilant for signs of atypical pneumonia in patients from these locations.

Melbourne International Comedy Festival: Pedestrian and Traffic Management

With the Melbourne International Comedy Festival celebrating its 40th anniversary this weekend, the City of Melbourne has implemented a specialized traffic management plan to accommodate high pedestrian volumes in the CBD. For Saturday, 28 March, motorists should expect significant delays around the Town Hall precinct and the Arts Centre. Pedestrian-priority zones are in effect along sections of Swanston Street to ensure the safety of festival-goers. Local businesses are reminded to maintain clear footpaths and adhere to temporary noise management guidelines. Public transport users are encouraged to utilize late-night tram services, which have been adjusted to support the festival’s weekend schedule.

Metropolitan Infrastructure: Road and Rail Maintenance Works

Commuters are advised of the following essential infrastructure works taking place this weekend:

• Macaulay Road: Nightly road safety camera sensor works will continue at the intersection of Macaulay Road and Stubbs Street. Works occur between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am, involving intermittent lane closures.
• CBD Roadworks: Ongoing Metro Tunnel precinct works will result in partial southbound closures on Elizabeth Street and restricted access to sections of La Trobe Street between Russell and Swanston Streets.
• Health Service Notice: Free Japanese Encephalitis (JEV) vaccine eligibility remains expanded through June 2026 for residents in high-risk local government areas.