THE Boulia Shire Council is tackling the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak more robustly than some other authorities.
While taking advice from the Federal and State Governments as well as Queensland Health, the Boulia council has cancelled all events on its social calendar up to September 1.
The decision was made after council convened a meeting of business owners from Boulia and Urandangie to review events in which many tourists might be engaged.
The cancellation call means no Easter races, no camp draft or rodeo, no camel races and no Anzac Day commemoration.
As well the Min Min Encounter Show will be closed, though the Visitor Information Centre will remain open.
A Council spokesman said the cancellations would be reviewed after September 1 and be subject to variation if the virus situation improved.
"In line with our core values, we are taking every precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 to protect our employees, contractors, residents, businesses and communities," a council spokesman said.
"We are committed first and foremost to the safety of our community members many of whom are our employees, our local contractors and business partners. We will continue to review the impact of COVID-19 and we will engage regularly with key stakeholders on any potential impacts, where and when they are known.
"We are closely monitoring advice and statements from the Australian Government, the State Government, Queensland Health and following guidelines from these authorities and Federal health departments, as required."
The unprecedented cancellations were not taken lightly, the spokesman said, adding:" It sits heavily on our hearts.
"The impact on our business operators cannot be underestimated and we would ask that you support these business wherever possible. Despite the ramifications of this decision and the impact on our businesses this move was supported by them.
"Our intent is to minimise the chances of the virus effecting the wider community thus limiting overall impact to the shire long term.
"At this point in time, we are not aware of any significant impacts to supply of fuel or goods and services, but we will continue to monitor the situation and we will provide regular updates."
For further information on COVID-19 visit https://www.health.gov.au/health-topics/novel-coronavirus-2019-nc
Alan Welburn
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
Lover of sport, particularly horse racing and all things Olympic. Have spent my entire working life in journalism, mostly with News Corp on its major metro mastheads. Done plenty of things but the best by far is having a teenage son who calls me dad.
