City Notices Roundup: Major Coastal Walk and NRL Season Opener to Impact Weekend Traffic

Public Service Announcement: Weekend Traffic and Event Access

Residents and visitors are advised of significant pedestrian and vehicular traffic changes this Saturday, 14 March 2026, due to major community events. The Great Illawarra Walk will see hundreds of participants traveling from Shellharbour Village to Austinmer. Motorists should exercise extreme caution along Lawrence Hargrave Drive and coastal sections of the Princes Highway. While no full road closures are mandated for the walk, heavy pedestrian activity is expected on shared paths and road shoulders throughout the day.

In the CBD, the St. George Illawarra Dragons will host the Melbourne Storm at WIN Stadium. Gates are scheduled to open at 3:00 pm, with the main NRL fixture kicking off at 5:30 pm. Expect localized parking restrictions and high traffic volumes around Harbour Street, Crown Street, and Marine Drive. Public transport is highly recommended for those attending the match.

Public Health Alert: Measles and Buruli Ulcer Updates

NSW Health has issued an updated health advisory following a newly confirmed case of measles in the region on 13 March. As the source of this infection is currently unknown, health authorities suggest the virus may be circulating within the community. Residents are urged to monitor for symptoms, including fever, runny nose, and a blotchy rash, and to ensure their vaccination status is up to date.

Additionally, a region-wide warning remains active for Buruli ulcer. Health officials recommend that residents in the Illawarra and South Coast take precautions against mosquito bites, such as wearing long-sleeved clothing and using repellent, particularly during dawn and dusk. Any non-healing skin lesions should be examined by a medical professional immediately.

Planning and Development: Public Exhibition Deadlines

Wollongong City Council reminds the community that the public exhibition period for several major projects remains open. Significant notices include:

• Corrimal Cokeworks Urban Renewal (DA-2023/840): Formal feedback on this large-scale residential and mixed-use proposal must be submitted by Wednesday, 18 March 2026.
• Review of Council Landholdings: The strategic review of R2 and R3 zoned council-owned lands is open for public comment until 31 March 2026.

Infrastructure and Facility Updates

Construction and maintenance crews remain active at several sites across the LGA. The Helensburgh Pool refurbishment is entering its final stage of safety inspections, with the facility on track for a public reopening later this month. Meanwhile, shared path upgrades continue on Garden Avenue in Figtree and sections of the Russell Vale Golf Coast, which may cause minor disruptions for weekend pedestrians.