Should the Sydney New Year's Eve fireworks go ahead?
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian has said the state government will offer to pay for Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks to make sure they go ahead.
The City of Sydney council who is responsible for the major event, has voiced their concern about hosting such a big event as it could draw large crowds to the CBD amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This has been a challenging year. We want to offer the people of NSW - and people around the world - a sign of hope,” Ms Berejiklian explained to The Daily Telegraph.
State authorities have reportedly accepted that the fireworks display could go ahead as it is likely to be scaled down.
NSW Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres is due to meet with Lord Mayor Clover Moore on Thursday to discuss the state government’s proposal.
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet told the newspaper that the fireworks would send a strong signal that NSW is open and ready for business.
“It’s time for Sydney to rise and shine after a very dark year,” he said.
“The traditional fireworks display not only brings joy to so many people, but done well and safely, we will show the world COVID-19 can’t extinguish our spirit and optimism.”