Bass Coast Council makes call on NYE fireworks

Bass Coast Shire Council have made a decision on their annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Cowes, Inverloch and Coronet Bay. Find out if they are going ahead or not.

New Year’s Eve fireworks at Cowes in Phillip Island. Picture: Peter Glenane

Bass Coast Shire Council has pulled the pin on its annual New Year’s Eve fireworks display in Cowes, Inverloch and Coronet Bay.

Bass Coast CEO Ali Wastie said the decision was in step with COVID-safe requirements set by the State Government.

“I know a lot of people, young and old, will be disappointed, but unfortunately there’s no way to keep attendance within the restricted gathering limits, which are currently in place for everyone’s safety,” Ms Wastie said.

“Each year our fireworks displays attract thousands of people and under the current circumstances, and in close consultation with emergency services, these crowd numbers are just not acceptable or safe.”

The Bass Coast has had 74 consecutive days without recording a new active case.

There has been a total of 11 coronavirus cases in the region with an estimated residential population of 36,320.

As it stands, outdoor gatherings are only permitted with groups of up to 10 people under Victorian Government rules.

A majority of Bass Coast residents polled by The Bass Coast News believe the fireworks should go ahead, with one local saying they are really needed after the year it has been.

Inverloch hold their NYE firework display on the football oval but this year won’t be going ahead.

“It is a much needed display to start a fresh year with a bang of fireworks,” they said.

“This year has been an absolute nightmare for everyone.”

Another said people had been “thrown into the deep end” and kids needed “something to celebrate after a crap year”.

Other residents said there were better ways to celebrate the new year.

“I would prefer a laser light show. Fireworks are such a waste of money and disturbing for animals,” one local said.

Another said the money usually spent on the fireworks should be used to support the local community.

“Use the money to help people and businesses that have been impacted by COVID-19”.

Even though New Year’s Eve fireworks won’t be going ahead in the Bass Coast, Christmas will still be celebrated.

“We’re holding a Christmas decoration competition for both the community and businesses,” Ms Wastie said.

Bass Coast Shire Council have allocated funding for Christmas decorations over the next four years in Cowes, Inverloch, Wonthaggi and Grantville.

This year, new Christmas decorations will be provided for Wonthaggi, Cowes and Inverloch.

The five Carols by Candlelight events that usually run have been cancelled by the event organisers.

But people can still get into the spirit of Christmas by attending the virtual Bass Coast Community Christmas Carols event, run by the churches of Wonthaggi and Inverloch on December 19.

MORE NEWS

PHILLIP ISLAND SCHOOLIES IN JEOPARDY

MELBURNIANS CAUSE TRAFFIC JAMS ESCAPING RING OF STEEL

ISLE OF WIGHT SITE VACANT FOR A DECADE

[e-mail]