Public Service Briefing: City Infrastructure and Health Updates for Tuesday, 31 March

Official Health Advisory: Measles Vaccination in Melbourne’s West

The Western Public Health Unit (WPHU) has issued a standing advisory for residents across Melbourne’s western suburbs following confirmed local transmission of measles. Health officials are urging all residents to verify their vaccination status, particularly those who may have missed their second dose of the Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine. WPHU is currently coordinating a targeted vaccine rollout to curb further community spread. Measles is a highly infectious viral illness; symptoms typically include fever and a characteristic rash. Residents experiencing these symptoms are advised to contact their medical provider via telephone before arriving at a clinic to prevent potential exposure to other patients.

Urban Infrastructure: The $26 Million 'Park Blitz'

In a significant step toward the 'Garden City' vision, the City of Melbourne has moved forward with its massive $26 million investment into local green spaces. Active projects scheduled for this week include the delivery of 13 new or upgraded parks across the municipality. Key areas under development include the Chapman Street pocket park in North Melbourne, which will provide 2,500 square metres of new open space, and the ongoing Stage Two upgrades at University Square in Carlton. These projects aim to improve biodiversity and provide essential cooling for the urban environment as the city prepares for the 2026-27 fiscal year. Residents should expect minor pedestrian diversions near active construction zones in Kensington and Southbank.

Transport and Roadwork Disruptions

Commuters are advised of ongoing disruptions related to Victoria’s Big Build. Following the weekend closure of the Eastern Freeway, the network has transitioned to a schedule of intermittent day and night works. On Tuesday, 31 March, motorists should expect the following:

• Eastern Freeway: Regular day works will take place between 7:00 AM and 6:00 PM, with night works scheduled from 7:00 PM to 6:00 AM. Lane closures and speed reductions are in effect between Tram Road and Middleborough Road to facilitate piling for new noise walls.
• Western Roads Upgrade: Rehabilitation works continue on Westernport Road in Heath Hill. Lane closures are expected throughout the day between Phillips Road and Mount Lyall Road.
• North East Link: Construction of the twin tunnels and freeway interchanges continues at Bulleen and Doncaster Roads, resulting in long-term traffic changes and diverted footpaths along sections of the Koonung Creek Trail.

Community Planning: Royal Park Master Plan

The City of Melbourne continues to finalise the Royal Park Master Plan, which will guide the management and protection of the park for the next 20 years. Landscape architects are currently reviewing community feedback to refine technical and operational requirements. The final version of this roadmap is slated for presentation to the Future Melbourne Committee in June 2026. The plan emphasizes the role of Traditional Owners and responds to future population growth and climate challenges.