A number of horseracing events have been cancelled ahead of a heatwave in Western Australia, but authorities say there are no plans to scrap a Big Bash League match expected to draw a crowd of thousands.
Key points:
- A four-day heatwave is forecast for much of Western Australia
- Horseracing events have been scrapped but a BBL match will go ahead
- Authorities are on high alert for bushfires
The mercury was tipped to reach 37 degrees Celsius in Perth on Friday, with 41C forecast for Saturday.
An estimated 35,000 people will watch the Perth Scorchers play the Brisbane Heat on Saturday, starting at 1.15pm local time.
Perth Scorchers general manager Justin Michael said the match would not be postponed due to tight fixtures, with punters encouraged to remain sun safe.
“We encourage all members and fans to take the proper precautions, be hydrated, wear proper clothing and take full advantage of the shaded areas within the stadium,” he said.
“The final last year in a record crowd of 54,000 was played in similar heat, so we monitor it and take all the precautions, but it’s a summer sport which we’re used to playing in.”
Saturday’s game had been on track to reach a crowd of 42,000, but ticket sales have slowed.
Bushfire warning issued
A severe heatwave warning has been issued for much of WA, and an extreme heatwave warning is in place for the Goldfields and the Southern Interior districts.
Department of Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Darren Klemm said authorities would be on high alert for potential bushfires at the weekend.
“Already, we’ve had over 2,700 bushfires this season, that is 38 per cent more than for up to the same period last year,” he said.
“We know that 95 per cent of the state is bushfire prone.”
Mr Klemm said emergency services were pleased conditions had improved in recent weeks.
“Fortunately the winds are not as strong as they have been over the last month and a half when we had that particular run of fires before Christmas,” he said.
“We’re well prepared for the next couple of days. We’re also obviously keeping an eye on that weather system up north in terms of whether it’s going to go off the Northern Territory or come over into Western Australia … there’ll be some significant rainfall up there.”
He said a bushfire that started in Collie on Thursday evening was contained but not controlled as of Friday morning.
Horseracing events postponed
Horseracing at Ascot scheduled for Saturday will no longer go ahead due to animal welfare concerns.
A number of races have been postposed to Wednesday and moved to Pinjarra.
“Our decision is very much driven by the veterinary opinion, so it’s at what point do you feel that the level of risk of any heat stress to the horse is unacceptable,” Perth Racing chief executive James Oldring told ABC radio.
Mr Oldring said there was a heat policy for when temperatures exceeded 38C, where measures like pushing the race back in the day or rescheduling to an alternate venue or day were considered.
“It was probably quite an easy decision for them [Racing and Wagering WA] this coming Saturday, because anything over 40 is beyond where we would race,” he said.
The National Basketball League and Perth Arena will make a decision late Saturday afternoon, about whether they open the roof for the annual open air game, between the Wildcats and South East Melbourne Phoenix, starting at 5pm local time.
Perth forecast
Friday: Maximum 37C
Saturday: Minimum 23C — Maximum 41C
Sunday: 25C — 36C
Monday: 23C — 36C
Tuesday: 24C — 38C
Wednesday: 22C — 34C
Thursday: 21C — 28C
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