Race is onfor eventful summer

THOUSANDS of people would be allowed to attend this summer’s Tasmanian horse racing cups and other events like music festivals and Big Bash League cricket matches under a new framework released by the state government.

Under the plan for C OVID-safe events revealed on Friday by Premier Peter Gutwein, up to 10,000 people could go to a seated outdoor event at 50 per cent of avenue’ s capacity.

There are three levels of criteria for larger events, with organisers needing to have a COVID safety plan to go ahead.

The Department of State Growth and Communities Tasmania would need to tick off on events under levels 1 and 2, while Public Health would have the final sign off on the largest events (level 3).

The levels each have maximum gathering limits for free moving outdoor and indoor events, seated outdoor and indoor events, and those which can allow for multiple separate areas for larger numbers.

Events under all three levels of the framework have to comply with existing density and physical distancing requirements– and will need to have a process to trace patrons at events and screening at entrances.

Organisers are now able to put forward submissions for events occurring from December 1.

Mr Gutwein said while the framework would allow major events to go ahead, all would be held under “a COVID normal way” including social distancing and good hygiene.

“The major cups can go ahead, we can plan to have major music festivals… importantly, it provides a framework for the Sydney to Hobart to operate in as well ,’’ he said.

Public Health Director Mark Veitch said there would be capacity under the framework for more outdoor and seated events.

But Opposition Leader Rebecca White said for many, the events framework had come too late.

“Because this decision has come so late in the year many of the state’s most iconic summer festivals and events have already been forced to cancel,” she said.