Official City Notices: Weekend Service Updates and Public Health Advisory

National Multicultural Festival: Transport and Access

Transport Canberra advises residents and visitors that the National Multicultural Festival continues through Saturday, 7 February 2026. To support the large crowds expected in the city centre and Glebe Park, several transport adjustments are in effect. Free travel is available on all Transport Canberra buses and light rail services on Saturday evening, starting from 6:00 pm until the last service. Passengers are required to tap on and off as usual, but a $0 fare will be applied to the journey.

• Additional Services: Extra bus services will operate between 12:00 pm and 12:00 am on Saturday, connecting the City Interchange with Tuggeranong, Woden, and Belconnen interchanges.
• Network Changes: A modified bus network is currently in place due to ongoing Commonwealth Avenue Bridge renewal works. Light rail frequencies remain unchanged, though passengers should allow for extra travel time due to increased congestion.
• Road Closures: Planned closures are active around the city centre and Glebe Park. Additionally, lane closures are in effect on Commonwealth Avenue as part of the Light Rail Stage 2A construction.

Urgent Public Health Alert: High-Potency Synthetic Opioids

ACT Health has issued an urgent public health advisory following the detection of metonitazene in tablets recently circulating in Canberra. Metonitazene is a potent synthetic opioid significantly stronger than fentanyl and carries a high risk of life-threatening overdose. The substance has been found in circular, yellow tablets with no markings or stamps, which are being sold illicitly as “oxycodone.”

Health officials warn that illicitly sourced medications pose extreme risks as their contents are often unknown. Members of the public in possession of these tablets are urged to dispose of them safely. Anyone experiencing or witnessing an adverse reaction should seek immediate emergency medical attention. Please note that standard fentanyl test strips are unable to detect nitazene-class opioids.

Road Maintenance and Infrastructure Works

City Services has scheduled several road maintenance projects for Saturday, 7 February. Motorists are advised to follow all detour signage and expect minor delays in the following areas:

• Crace: Night works involving road resealing will take place on Galore Street, between Abena Avenue and Baratta Street, from 7:00 pm Saturday to 7:00 am Sunday. Lane closures will be in effect.
• Belconnen: Lane closures are scheduled on College Street, from Benjamin Way to Cohen Street, between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm.
• Gungahlin: Resealing crews will be active on Manning Clark Crescent and surrounding local streets throughout the day.

Extreme Fire Danger Rating

The ACT Emergency Services Agency (ESA) confirms that an “Extreme” fire danger rating remains in place for Saturday. While the current Total Fire Ban (TOBAN) expired at midnight Friday, the Bureau of Meteorology predicts continued hot and dry conditions with temperatures reaching the high 30s. Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, review their Bushfire Survival Plans, and monitor the ESA website for real-time incident updates.