City to examine drones and lasers in major review of New Year’s Eve spectacular
Drones and lasers could feature in Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations instead of fireworks as the city council reviews the appropriateness of pyrotechnics amid the unfolding bushfire crisis.
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Hi-tech alternatives including the use of drones and lasers are to be considered in a major review of the City of Melbourne’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
The moves comes in response to changing public opinion and the appropriateness of pyrotechnics amid an unfolding bushfire disaster.
Lord Mayor Sally Capp said that “all suitable options’’ would be investigated.
“We’re also aware that community attitudes towards fireworks are changing.’’
Fireworks accounted for $235,000 of the city’s $3.4 million New Year’s Eve budget this year. The rest was spent on security and logistics to accommodate the estimated 400,000 people who visited the CBD.
The latest pyrotechnics featured more than 7500 aerial shells and 36,000 other effects from city rooftops.
The city is committed to staging a big celebration to see in the new year, given the approximate $8.6 million in economic benefit, mostly for bars, cafes and restaurants.
Singapore was one city which featured drones in their colourful midnight display, along with fireworks.
“We understand that technology is changing rapidly and new entertainment options other than fireworks may be suitable for Melbourne conditions,’’ Cr Capp said.
“However, any replacement for fireworks would need to be able to be seen clearly by crowds across multiple sites in the CBD and from several kilometres away.
“Being able to disperse crowds effectively is an important safety aspect of crowd management for our New Year’s Eve events.
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“Melbourne’s CBD will always be a destination of choice for people wanting to come together for New Year’s Eve. The majority of the investment in the event is spent on public safety and logistics.
The event also raised money to support bushfire-affected communities, thanks to the support of the Salvation Army.
“For many Melburnians, this New Year’s Eve provided an opportunity to come together, not only to celebrate, but to reflect on the importance of community and supporting people experiencing hardship.’’