Community Roundup: Essential City Notices and Health Alerts for March 13

Public Notice: Restoration of Access to Botanic Gardens

The City of Adelaide and the Department for Environment and Water wish to advise the public that post-event restoration works within Botanic Park are nearing completion. Normal access for pedestrians and cyclists to Plane Tree Drive (Zones 1-6), Frome Park, and Speakers Corner is officially scheduled to resume on Friday, 13 March 2026. These heritage spaces have been closed to facilitate the safe removal of festival infrastructure and the restoration of turf and garden beds. Motorists are reminded that some vehicle restrictions may still apply in the immediate vicinity as final site inspections are completed.

Adelaide Metro: Service Disruptions and Stop Changes

Commuters should be aware of several public transport adjustments taking effect or concluding this Friday. Please plan your journeys accordingly:

• Stop Change: A permanent stop change for Stop 62 Adelaide Rd (West side) commences on Friday, 13 March 2026. This affect routes including the 801, 835, 860F, and T800 series.
• Route Completion: The temporary detour on Julian Rd, MacDonald Park, is scheduled to conclude by the end of service on Friday, 13 March. Normal routing for the 488 service will resume thereafter.
• Festival Closures: As part of the 'East End Unleashed' program, road closures will be in effect on Rundle Street, East Terrace, and Rundle Road from 5:00 pm to midnight this Friday. Adelaide Metro services in the East End will be detoured during these hours.

Health Advisory: Meningococcal and Measles Alerts

SA Health has issued a high-priority alert following a confirmed case of invasive meningococcal disease (serotype B) in an infant from rural South Australia. This marks the third case of meningococcal disease reported in the state for 2026. Residents are urged to remain vigilant for symptoms, which include high fever, headache, neck stiffness, and a distinctive red or purple skin rash. Early medical intervention is critical.

Additionally, health authorities remain on Measles High Alert across the metropolitan area. Due to a national decline in childhood vaccination rates and a surge in travel-related infections, residents are encouraged to verify their MMR vaccination status. Anyone born during or after 1966 who has not received two doses of the vaccine is eligible for a free booster through state-funded programs.

Seasonal Influenza Program 2026

SA Health reminds families that the 2026 Seasonal Influenza program is now active. For the first time, the intranasally administered live attenuated influenza vaccine (LAIV) is available for children aged 2 to 17 years. Community members are encouraged to book their vaccinations through local GPs or respiratory clinics ahead of the winter peak.

Adelaide Festival Update

Following recent administrative changes, the public is reminded that Adelaide Writers’ Week 2026 has been cancelled and will not take place this March. All previously purchased tickets for Writers' Week events have been processed for refunds. Other Adelaide Festival and Fringe events continue as scheduled through the weekend.