Contingency plans made for several Ekka events after COVID-19 lockdown shuts gates

Organisers of Queensland's largest agricultural show are scrambling to keep events and sales alive after the Ekka was cancelled just days before it was due to open.

With stud cattle breeders already setting up, the state government on Sunday extended its snap, three-day lockdown in 11 local government areas until 4pm Sunday, August 8, to stop the spread of a growing COVID-19 cluster.

After the extended lockdown was announcted, stud breeders were sent home but organisers were planning to hold the prime cattle section at the Silverdale Saleyards today and the carcass category of the led steer competition at Nolan's Abattoir in Gympie.

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Article written by: Eric Barker and Amy Phillips