Virus risk knockout blow for big events
MAJOR events worth millions to the Townsville’s economy are under a cloud, after an extraordinary measure by the Prime Minister that all non-essential gatherings of more than 500 people – including football games, concerts and conferences will be cancelled from Monday in a bid to slow the spread of COVID-19.
The advice is expected to be reviewed daily, but at this stage an end date has not been set, with uncertainty surrounding numerous events meant to be held in Townsville in coming months, including major music festival Groovin the Moo (May 3), the Australian Festival of Chamber Music (from July 31), and the blockbuster rugby union doubleheader between Australia’s Wallabies and Fiji and the women’s Wallaroos against Canada on July 18.
The weekend delay of the measure meant the North Queensland Cowboys were able to play the Brisbane Broncos last night in the highly anticipated first home game at the new Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
But from round two, teams will play to empty stadiums in light of the measure, the NRL confirmed.
Tourism Minister Kate Jones said it was a “watch and see” holding pattern at this time in terms of the events scheduled at the Queensland Country Bank Stadium.
World champion boxer Jeff Horn yesterday confirmed his fight against Tim Tszyu, due to be held on April 22, would be postponed, just a day after it was announced.
Mayor Jenny Hill said residents “liveability and lifestyle” would be affected, but it was important to play by the rules, while Townsville Enterprise chief executive Patricia O’callaghan said the measures were not unexpected and Townsville needed to brace for further restrictions.
Event postponements or cancellations will have an impact also on small businesses and hospitality workers.
Promoters for the soccer match between English Premier League side Crystal Palace and Brisbane Roar, TEG Live, said the July 11 event at the QCB Stadium, meant to pump $1 million into the local economy, would go ahead as planned.
Australian Festival of Chamber Music executive director Gavin Findlay said the last advice he received from the Queensland Government was the worst of COVID-19 should have passed by the end of July, and the organisation would monitor advice before making a decision.
The nation’s leaders have agreed to form a “national cabinet” – including the
Prime Minister, state premiers and chief ministers – to meet weekly and co-ordinate their response to the crisis.
Scott Morrison said the government’s plan was designed to slow the spread of the virus, which had been successful so far, putting Australia in a better position than other countries.