In light of the ban on mass gatherings of more than 500 people which came into effect on Monday, the list of rural events that have been cancelled continues to grow.
Popular picnic race meets due to take place in the next six weeks, including Goondiwindi, Roma and Dalby, have all been called off, and Racing Queensland has advised that all TAB and non-TAB meetings across the state will be conducted without patrons until further notice.
Dalby Amateur Picnic Race Club president Jane Edwards said it was not an easy decision for the committee to make - a sentiment echoed by the Goondiwindi and Roma Picnics committees.
"We are aware that this event is a highly anticipated meet on racing and social calendars, in addition to being of significant economic benefit to our local community," Ms Edwards said.
"However, the safety and well-being of our racegoers, patrons and stakeholders is of the greatest importance to us and our committee believe this is the best course of action."
Ms Edwards said the Dalby Amateur Picnic Race Club has raced consistently since its inception in 1902, and only ever faced interruptions caused by significant world events, including the two world wars and the Great Depression, and now in 2020 due to the coronavirus.
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Less than a fortnight out from the popular Roma Picnic Races and Ball, which attracts thousands of punters to the region each year, the committee made the announcement that the 2020 event would be cancelled.
"We appreciate that the cancellation of the picnics weekend is a huge disappointment for the committee and community," their statement read.
"We would appreciate your support and patience as we work through the logistics and issues that come with cancelling such an event."
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Racing Queensland announced on Monday that all future meetings - along with trials and trackwork - will be limited to key race-day personnel.
Access will be permitted to licensed participants who have a horse or greyhound engaged at the meeting, along with essential club, QRIC and RQ staff; broadcast services; approved accredited media; and associated staff required to conduct racing activities including veterinarians and ambulance services.
Access will not be permitted to the general public in any code, nor owners or on-course wagering providers.
Racing Queensland CEO Brendan Parnell said this was a unique and complex situation which requires Racing Queensland to adopt a uniform approach.
"The health and safety of our 40,000 participants, including those who are employed in the industry, remains our top-priority and we will continue to work with our clubs, QRIC and participants to navigate this period," Mr Parnell said.
"We are mindful of the carnivals we have on the horizon - and the impact that this decision may have on our clubs - but it is important that we restrict on-course access in the short-term to limit the potential spread of Covid-19 and the potential impact to our industry."
