Adelaide City Councillor Jessy Khera explodes over proposed fireworks ban, calling it an ‘Osama Green Laden, Taliban wing’ policy
An Adelaide city councillor has berated “Taliban wing” colleagues leading the push to cancel fireworks shows in the CBD. The Lord Mayor says he went “too far”.
City
Don't miss out on the headlines from City. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- New Year’s Eve fireworks in Elder Park could be replaced with a light show under plans before Adelaide City Council
- Latest subscriber exclusive giveaways, specials and prizes
An Adelaide City councillor compared a plan to scrap NYE fireworks something that only ‘Osama Green Laden’ would put forward.
Cr Jessy Khera told colleagues they risked becoming a “Taliban wing of the council” if they pressed ahead with their “Osama Green Laden” plan to “kill off” New Year’s Eve fireworks.
That came minutes before the council voted to start investigations into using digital laser and light shows, rather than using fireworks.
He said fireworks should be retained because they bring a “specific joy” to children and their families.
Cr Khera told The Advertiser after the meeting he was not comparing any councillor to terrorist Osama bin Laden, but the comments were more about them “having the mindset that wants to kill off fireworks so kids will never see them in (the) future”.
“I would caution that group of councillors who have been pushing this sort of stuff (scrapping fireworks),” Cr Khera said.
“Do not become … the Taliban wing of the council. (Be) careful about pushing stuff that can only be dreamt up by Osama Green Laden.”
“Picture the iconic Walt Disney opening fireworks ... replaced by a bunch of LED lights. “When you wish upon a star becomes when you wish upon a laser beam.
“Lord knows, kids have enough digital light already.”
His argument went “a step too far”, according to Lord Mayor Sandy Verschoor, although most councillors laughed at Cr Khera’s comments.
The Advertiser reported last month deputy lord mayor Alexander Hyde and veteran Cr Anne Moran wanted staff to look into a laser and light show instead of fireworks.
Cr Hyde said a choreographed light show, potentially featuring a performance of synchronised drones, would create an “innovative” and “world-class” celebration for the city as well as reducing carbon emissions.
The fireworks at the 2020 celebrations were almost a disaster when the 9pm fireworks display set a section of the River Torrens alight.
All elected members except Cr Khera were in support of looking into alternate options to pyrotechnics.
They argued it was time for change and embrace new technologies, while others said it would be better for the environment.
MORE NEWS
Help us find Adelaide’s best wedding photographer
Chinese New Year party goes ahead
Push for Koala Clinic in Adelaide Parklands
Cr Robert Simms said it ‘made sense” to look at more environmentally friendly options to fireworks.
“They (fireworks) have an adverse environmental impact as well … I think it is appropriate to look at these factors,” Cr Simms said.
Cr Phil Martin said a light and laser show would be a point of difference to other capital city councils.
Cr Alex Hyde said hi-tech displays could be cost effective.
“There is even an opportunity for the joint use of fireworks with other performance techniques,” Cr Hyde said
A report into different options will go before the council in March 2020.