Motorcycling Queensland (the state controlling body for motorcycle sport and recreation in Queensland) would like to make the following statement for the benefit of our participants, clubs, event promoters, volunteers, officials, sponsors and supporters.
As you would no doubt be aware, the situation is constantly changing, and Motorcycling Queensland is working with our fellow State Controlling Bodies and the national governing body (Motorcycling Australia) to monitor developments. We plan to send out updates as necessary to provide additional important information.
The team at MQ will be working hard to liaise with all of our clubs and promoters, and in particular those that have events scheduled in the coming weeks and months, to determine exactly what events are coming up, and the best way to handle the impact of this announcement on those events.
In some situations, events and activities will be able to go ahead under the current Government guidelines (<500 people), although event structures may need to be changed in some cases in order to mitigate risk. Some of our larger events may need to be rescheduled or cancelled.
These measures will include:
• Encouraging social distancing (standing 1.5m away from others)
• Providing riders and officials’ briefings via Public Address (PA) system
• A maximum plus 1 for any entered rider (essential support person only)
• Communicating to participants at all levels that if they are unwell, they must stay away from the venue
• The provision of hand sanitisers and hand washing facilities at events
• Ensure toilets have hand wash and paper towels. Place a bin near the door so people can use paper towels to open the door then dispose of
• Heightened hygiene practices around food preparation and sale
• Cancellation of presentations
• Reconsider the need to offer camping
• No non-essential people to attend the event (e.g. spectators)
• Regular PA announcements throughout the duration of the event promoting all of the above
Clubs and event promoters will need to determine a formula when accepting participant entries, and, understand how this number ultimately impacts on the overall number of people at the facility on the day. For example; a MX Club Day with 100 riders might in fact mean 200 people at the event, when factoring in support crew, event officials and volunteers.
Clubs and promoters running events in the coming weeks that require the presence of third party medical providers (in some instances QAS), should, as a priority, reconfirm their availability to attend your event, and any updated procedures associated with their attendance.
Motorcycling Queensland encourages all participants, whether officials, competitors, support crew and event organisers to remain extremely vigilant and continue to practice good hygiene practices.
The Australian Government’s – Department of Health website (https://www.health.gov.au/) has a useful and informative resource providing additional information regarding COVID-19 and organising public gatherings.
Remember this is a constantly changing situation – and this advice is likely to be updated in the coming days, weeks and months.
If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact the Motorcycling Queensland office on (07) 3281-2255.
Regards,
Kim Rowcliffe
General Manager – Motorcycling Queensland
