The possible influence of coronavirus on Queensland’s winter carnival will be a major topic at an upcoming meeting of club officials.
The annual quarterly meeting of south east Queensland clubs is expected to come up with a contingency plan should the coronavirus pandemic lead to cancellation or postponement of major events.
The winter carnival, which is the life blood of racing in Queensland, is scheduled to start late next month.
The major part of the carnival is in May and June when some major outdoor functions have already been cancelled.
The annual Greek community festival, one of the largest events in Queensland, has been cancelled.
It was scheduled for May 23 which is Queensland Derby Day.
One of the major problems facing the four clubs which host carnival days is the need to pre order food, drink, marquees, etc.
In some cases they have to be ordered six weeks in advance which means clubs, should events be cancelled or spectators barred, could be left with thousands of dollars of stock.
AAP understands there is a growing concern the carnival meetings will go ahead without spectators as has happened in Asia, Ireland and Dubai.
A Racing Queensland spokesman said the governing body was closely monitoring the situation and following the advice of government and medical experts.
