Ekka cattle show cancelled, off-site classes to proceed

The RNA has made the tough call to cancel the popular Stud Beef Cattle Show and will wait 24 hours to decide whether to proceed with this year’s Brisbane Exhibition at the Showgrounds.

THIS year’s Ekka hangs in the balance with organisers putting preparations on hold for another 24 hours as the outbreak claims its first casualty of the event – the coveted Stud Beef Cattle Show.

The RNA made the tough call to cancel the event, which was due to start at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Tuesday, late Sunday afternoon.

People are already on the Ekka grounds with their cattle. Photo: Steve Pohlner

RNA chief executive Brendan Christou said the RNA decided not to hold the Stud Beef Competition this year because it did not want to bring exhibitors from non COVID-19 hot spots around Queensland into Brisbane.

Unfortunately some exhibitors had already made their way to the showgrounds over the weekend and are now stuck in lockdown at the grounds, he said.

“The RNA will always act in the best interests of public health and it has made this decision to cancel the Stud Beef Show to protect our exhibitors and the broader community,” Mr Christou said.

“We have agreed (with Queensland Health) that another 24 hour pause is the best course of action.”

Ultimate Ekka Showbag Guide

The highly anticipated Comeback Ekka had been given the green light to go ahead by Queensland Health after being cancelled in 2020 due to Covid, with organisers making extensive efforts to ensure the event could be run safely.

Covid-safe measure included capped daily numbers of 45,000 people, online only ticket sales, round the clock cleaning and real-time crowd monitoring cameras.

Mr Christou said another update would be provided to the community Monday afternoon but warned that the cancellation of the Ekka for a second year in a row could be financially devastating.

“There is no question it would be a huge hit financially for us, and not just us, the exhibitors who have got the cattle ready, our commercial exhibitors and ride operators who are already onsite set up and ready to so whilst it is huge for us and we’ll battle through that, it is also significant for those who are already on site,” he said.

“Noone can predict what is going to happen with the numbers … we will with bated breath as will the rest of the people who are looking forward to the Comeback Ekka but of course public health has to come first.”

The Led Steer Carcass and Prime Cattle competitions will go ahead as planned because they are runt out of the current hot spots.

The Ekka Prime Beef Cattle Competition will continue as planned off site at Silverdale Saleyards with judging to start this Wednesday and the Led Steer Carcass Competition will continue as planned at Nolan Meats in Gympie.