Essential services not impacted by crisis

Residents are being reassured essential services have not been impacted by the Coronavirus pandemic as Council reviews forthcoming events at its entertainment precincts.

Cairns Mayor Bob Manning has asked residents to remain calm and mindful of others as the situation unfolds.

“This is a fluid situation and as more information comes to hand, Council will be providing more details,” Cairns Mayor Bob Manning said.

“The important thing at the moment is for people to follow health guidelines, not to panic and to remain calm.

“Services, such as bin collections, roadworks and maintenance, have not been impacted.

“We are taking direction from the relevant State and Federal agencies, which are the lead on this issue, and instigating measures as in line with their guidance.

“Council’s two key priorities when it comes to day-to-day operations are the safety of our staff and the community, and the continuity of Council services.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison yesterday announced a number of measures aimed at slowing the spread of COVID-19, which included the banning all non-essential static gatherings of more than 500 people.

As a result, Council is reviewing events and performances, and working with promoters, artists and entertainers to determine which shows can proceed at venues such as the Cairns Performing Arts Centre and Tanks Art Centre.

Performances at CPAC and Tanks exceeding a total of 500 people will split into two or more shows where possible, postponed, or cancelled. Ticket sales for future performances have been capped.

(A list of cancelled, postponed or altered shows is at the end of the media release).

Any event cancelled will result in a full refund to the original ticket purchaser.

Ticketholders are being asked to be patient and wait for Ticketlink to contact them regarding refunds.

Cairns Libraries and the Esplanade Lagoon are not impacted by the new measures, and the Makin' Markets at Sunset in Shields Street on Friday (20 March) will proceed as planned.

Cr Manning said Council was also liaising with community groups, who may have upcoming events, to provide guidance where necessary.

“We are working with individuals and community at this challenging time by providing relevant information and if people have concerns, we invite them to contact us,” he said.

Electoral Commission Queensland has advised Council that the Local Government Election on 28 March is proceeding.

List of cancelled or altered events/performances:

The 91-Storey Treehouse: Cairns Performing Arts Centre scheduled for tomorrow (17 March):

10am – No change, tickets are still available.Midday – No change, tickets are still available.6pm – Sold out, over 900 tickets sold. This show will go ahead, however the last 450 tickets purchased will be fully refunded. Ticketlink will contact ticket holders.

Grace Under Pressure: Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Thursday 19 March, 2020

No change, tickets are still available

Moscow Ballet Sleeping Beauty: Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Friday 20 March to Saturday 21 March

Confirmation from promoter is pending.

The Black Sorrows: Tanks Arts Centre, Friday 20 March 2020

This show will go ahead however the final 200 ticket purchasers will be offered an opportunity to attend an earlier event in the day or have their ticket refunded. Ticketlink will contact ticket holders.

The East Pointers: Tanks Art Centre, Saturday 21 March - Cancelled