Ipswich City Council cancels major events for March, April and May

Ipswich City Council has cancelled council produced events scheduled for March, April and May.

The cancellation is part of council’s response to COVID-19 and in line with the Federal Government’s direction that all organised, non-essential gatherings of 500 people or greater be cancelled.

Events impacted are:

• Harmony Day – previously scheduled for Saturday, 21 March; and
• Planes, Trains and Autos festival – previously scheduled for May

RSL Queensland has also advised the city’s sub-branches to cancel Anzac Day commemorations.

Ipswich City Council has also moved to decline event permit applications over 500 people to 31 May 2020. Permit fees will be refunded to impacted events.

All event bookings for over 500 people in council facilities to 31 May 2020 will also be cancelled with deposits to be refunded and no cancellation fees charged.

Ipswich City Council Interim Administrator Steve Greenwood said community safety was paramount.

“Ipswich City Council continues to follow the advice of relevant authorities on how to respond to COVID-19 and that includes not allowing gatherings of 500 people or greater,” he said.

“We have already seen the cancellation of country music event CMC Rocks and we expect to see other community-run events called off or postponed in the coming weeks.”

Ipswich City Council recognises the significant community and economic impact these cancellations will have on the region and council will work with community event stakeholders across the city to help them assess options for their events.

Prior to recent COVID-19 developments, council was set to launch an Ipswich Festivals 2020 program running from May to December.

Council will continue to assess whether the remainder of planned events for later in the year can go ahead as the COVID-19 situation develops.

The city is still set to welcome nationally renowned artists in May for the Brisbane Street Art Festival – Ipswich program.

It will include the painting of several walls across the city with street art.

Anzac Day march called off

Further to yesterday’s media release from RSL Queensland and their advice to all sub branches to cancel Anzac Day commemorations in light of the emerging COVID-19 public health emergency, RSL Ipswich and council have advised that the main Anzac Day march and the Dawn Service and wreath laying at the Honour Stone, RSL Memorial Gardens will be cancelled for 2020.

While this is very disappointing for our community, it is important that we do not risk the health of older veterans, their family members or members of the general public. The community’s understanding in these unprecedented times is appreciated.

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