Save New Years Eves - Turn the fireworks to the Inner West

Friday 25 September 2020

 Following revelations that the New Year's Eve fireworks may not proceed Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne has today said he'll work with the NSW Government to save New Year's Eve and bring the fireworks to the western side of the Harbour Bridge.

"After a year like no other people need something to look forward to and I want to work with the Government to save New Year's Eve and bring the focus of the fireworks to the Inner West,” said Mayor Byrne.

"There's no reason the fireworks can't be hosted from the western side of the Harbour instead of the east. After all, everyone knows the best view of the Harbour Bridge is from Balmain.

"My only precondition is that the health authority’s advice must be followed. I'm ready to host the fireworks in the Inner West if the Chief Medical Officer Kerry Chant says it can be done safely.

"We could arrange free but ticketed access to our parks, with local residents being prioritised, so that the number of people is strictly controlled and safe physical distancing is ensured.

"If the people on the western side of the Bridge are prioritised on the final night of 2020 that would mean at least one good thing has come from this horror year."

For media enquiries, contact Bill Hawker, Mayoral Media Officer, 9392 5685 or bill.hawker@innerwest.nsw.gov.au