North Sydney business owners speak out over ticket system for NYE fireworks
A council ticketing system that will cordon off prime viewing areas for this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks has left local business owners fuming. See why.
North Shore
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As a ticketing system for the prime New Year’s Eve’s fireworks viewing locations is set to be introduced this year, some business owners are furious, warning fewer people would celebrate n
Business owners are speaking out over a ticketing system set to be introduced at prime viewing locations for this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks amid concerns it could result in fewer Sydneysiders celebrating the new year on the north shore.
Restaurant owner Steve Houvardas is leading calls for North Sydney Council to reconsider new booking arrangements that will be in force at four major parks for this year’s event.
The system will require revellers to book a free ticket online to view the fireworks at Blues Point Reserve, Lavender Bay parklands, Bradfield Park and Mary Booth Reserve.
The council plan includes operating the sites on a one person per two square metre rule to reduce the risks of Covid-19 infections and overcrowding.
The parks will be cordoned off by fencing and gates to the sites will not open until 5pm on New Year’s Eve.
There will also be no pass outs issued once tickets have been scanned at the gates.
The move has been met with concerns from business owners who have traditionally opened their doors under extended trading hours on New Year’s Eve to benefit from the surge in foot traffic.
Mr Houvardas, who co-owns Piato Restaurant, said he was considering closing the McMahons Point restaurant on New Year’s Eve in response to the measures.
“The whole thing is just an exercise in red tape and they’re issuing tickets like it’s a footy final or something,” he said.
“Since I can remember there’s been a steady stream of people viewing sites from early in the morning – some people come the night before – and cordoning off the parks until 5pm will just kill-off the whole build-up to the event.
“We’ll lose the trade we get during the day because people aren’t going to show up until 5pm or later and no locals without tickets will be able to go down there.
“I’ve been here for 16 years and there’s always been a buzz in the air on New Year’s Eve. There should be no tickets.”
North Spoon managing director Gareth Naar said the measures could also result in more people celebrating the event from home.
“You’re always at the mercy of the council and we’re not expecting it to be as busy as it has been in previous years,” he said.
“For people without tickets, I’m sure there’ll be a lot of private parties and people celebrating at home.”
In a statement, a North Sydney Council spokeswoman said the decision to close the parks until 5pm was due to the “significant time” required to clear and secure the parks sites.
“It is not feasible to clear the parks for ticketed guests if thousands of people have already set up in the area,” she said.
“Ticketing is encouraged by the Department of Premier and Cabinet and NSW Police at all vantage points as it allows for efficient planning and use of resources including police, trains, buses and emergency services.
“It also reduces crowds on the streets, which significantly improves public safety.
“NYE in North Sydney is complex because our parks interface with residential areas – we make the best decisions we can to protect residential amenity and allow local residents and visitors to enjoy the fireworks safely.”
Tickets for the viewing locations are available from today on North Sydney’s Council’s website and at sydneynewyearseve.com.
Prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, up to one million people viewed the fireworks live from the Sydney Harbour foreshore.
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