The Sydney City Council says the port’s New Year’s fireworks will continue as planned, but the Rural Fire Service (RFS) has refused to rule out the cancellation of the event at the last moment.
Key points:
- Rural Fire Service Commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons refuses to rule out fireworks cancellation if deemed too risky
- Sydney City Council said port fireworks will continue despite thousands of people signing a petition
- NSW Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian supports the decision, but will consult RFS on security issues
Heat wave conditions are expected next week in large parts of the state, with forecasts of more than 40 ° C in western Sydney and NSW regionally.
Total statewide fire bans apply Monday, and a decision has yet to be made for the rest of the week.
Many communities postponed their fireworks shows, including Armidale in the state’s Northern Lands.
But the city of Sydney on Sunday said its famous display will go ahead despite the bushfire crisis that has hit the state.
“Like everyone else, in the city of Sydney we are deeply affected by what we have seen in recent months,” said Tanya Goldberg, head of audience for major events and festivals in the city of Sydney.
“But we are of the firm opinion that the Sydney New Year’s Eve party should not be canceled.”
The council said long planning had been involved in the event.
“Preparations for these celebrations began 15 months ago, which means most of the budget has already been spent, which is largely used for people’s safety,” Goldberg said.
“Cancellation would have few practical benefits for devastated communities.”
NSW Prime Minister Gladys Berejiklian backed the city of Sydney’s decision to move forward with the fireworks.
“Sydney is one of the first cities in the world to welcome the new year. If it is safe to do so, we should continue to do so as we have done every two years,” Ms Berejiklian said.
But NSW RFS commissioner Shane Fitzsimmons refused to rule out the possibility of removing the fireworks from the port at the last minute.
When asked about the cost of canceling fireworks at the last minute, Mr Fitzsimmons said: “If I consider it too risky, that doesn’t bother me.
“Pyrotechnic organizations and local authorities are used to working with us to avoid exemptions during the summer period, whether for Christmas, New Year or some other event.
Berejiklian said he would consult with the RFS on security issues.
“We are elected on behalf of the community to protect our community, to protect our citizens,” the prime minister said.
“But if there is no safety reason for these fireworks not to continue, we will continue.”
Sydney City Mayor Clover Moore said if there was a total fire ban on New Year’s Eve, the council “would do what we have to do”.
A petition, launched six weeks ago, called for a $ 5.8 million budget to be reoriented for fireworks to relief and drought relief projects.
The petition states: “Last year $ 5.8 million was spent in Sydney alone for fireworks.
“All states should say NO to fireworks. This can traumatize some people as there is enough smoke in the air.”
In response to the reaction, the Council said it would promote the Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief Fund during the spread of fireworks and donate more than $ 600,000 to support communities and wildlife affected by the fires. shrubs and drought.
The scrapping of the program would ultimately do more harm than good, the council said.
“The cancellation would seriously hurt Sydney businesses, especially as a result of recent reports of a weaker business season and would also ruin plans for thousands of people who have come from all over the country and abroad to plans, “Ms. Goldberg said.
“The opportunity to come together and celebrate what is good, to express hope, a little happiness and a sense of togetherness is certainly even more important than ever.”