By Cindy Yin
Mariet Wezeman has watched Sydney’s New Year’s Eve fireworks at Blues Point every year since she moved to Australia from the Netherlands six years ago. But she may ditch those plans this year after North Sydney Council voted on Monday night to charge revellers $50 a ticket to watch the display from the park.
“It’s sad to hear there will be a $50 charge. It’s always been free, and I think it’s been a great attraction for everyone around to just come and watch the fireworks. It’s the perfect spot to watch,” Wezeman said.
Mariet Wezeman is disappointed at the council’s plan which would force visitors to shell out $50 to access the prime viewing spot.Credit: Steven Siewert
The North Sydney resident always sees packed crowds eagerly awaiting the fireworks at the popular viewing spot. Now she is considering finding another location, or skipping the night entirely.
“There’s always a huge line into this place because everyone wants to come here. Now I have to think about it – and I think more people will have to think about it. The council should have thought about costs earlier,” she said.
Changing tickets for the fireworks was one of the options considered by the financially embattled North Sydney Council to repair its budget in May, after the pricing regulator rejected a proposed 87 per cent rate rise.
The council warned it would face “critical decisions” after the cost of the fraught North Sydney Olympic Pool rebuild has nearly doubled from an initial estimate of $58 million to more than $122 million.
It would make around $400,000 by selling 8000 tickets, which would help offset the $1 million it costs the council to host crowds on New Year’s Eve.
Mayor Zoe Baker said it was not an easy decision and one she made “reluctantly”. She is hopeful the state government will provide the council with funding to alleviate some costs.
“It is with an exceptionally heavy heart that I find myself supporting the motion for one year only. We have inherited a really precarious financial position that has not been relieved by our seeking a special rate variation,” she said.
“If you cannot afford a ticket for Blues Point, then I’d urge you to go to Bradfield Park, to Mary Booth Lookout, to Kurraba Point, to Cremorne Point, to Waverton, to Carradah Park and every other vantage point to see the fireworks on public land for free.”
Blues Point Park is a popular viewing spot for revellers to watch Sydney’s famous New Year’s Eve fireworks.Credit: Steven Siewert
Councillor Shannon Welch echoed Baker’s concerns.
“We’ve got to be a financially sustainable council, and so unfortunately this is one of those unpleasant things we have got to do,” she said.
Councillor Nicole Antonini agreed: “Unfortunately in light of IPART’s decision, we’re in a difficult position. This is not ideal, it’s certainly not the preference of most of this council, but in our current financial situation, we have little choice,” she said.
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