With just over a month to go, the countdown is on for this year's Ekka.
And that is despite Queensland's latest COVID fiasco threatening to suspend the agricultural show for the second year in a row.
RNA Chief Executive Brendan Christou said organisers are looking forward to the Ekka going ahead next month as planned and that the risk the pandemic brings has been apart of their planning.
"We are still more than five weeks away from the gates opening for the 2021 Ekka and its full steam ahead for the show," Mr Christou said.
"The risk of COVID-19 has been part of our planning since December 2020."
Mr Christou said organisers have been working with Queensland Health in light of the recent outbreak and subsequent lockdown in Brisbane.
"Our COVID Safe measures comply with current Queensland Health requirements and restrictions for major events."
"To ensure we can come together safely, we are introducing a range of measures at the 2021 Show including capped daily numbers, online tickets only, real time crowd monitoring, roving COVID Safe marshals and increased cleaning and hygiene measures.
"We will continue to work closely with Queensland Health with our COVID Safe planning which has been six months in the making."
Last year, the pandemic forced The Ekka to shut its doors for the third time in its 143-year history.
Organisers are hoping that this year's comeback event will bring a major boost to the state's economy and celebrate the agricultural sector.
"Ekka coming back is vitally important as it reconnects city and country after such challenging times," Mr Christou said.
"We are all about celebrating agriculture and delivering the critical message that the food you eat and the clothes you wear all come from farmers.
"The Ekka also provides a major economic boost to Brisbane as it generates more than $200 million a year for the local economy and creates more than 3,500 jobs."
