No NYE fireworks for the Barwon Coast, as authorities warn of risks

Vets, paramedics and local environmental authorities are warning of the dangers of fireworks, as Geelong prepares to welcome in 2025.

Nate, Chris Cole, Sol and Joel get ready to celebrate the new year at Geelong’s waterfront. Picture: Mark Wilson

Not everyone will welcome in the new year with a bang on Tuesday night, as local environmental authorities warn fireworks can damage the region’s “sensitive” coastline while vets are “wishing there were less”.

Barwon Coast Committee of Management has made the decision to again give New Year’s Eve fireworks a miss, which chief executive Gareth Smith said was based on multiple factors, including concerns about the environment, residents and wildlife.

Barwon Coast manages 19km of coastline along the Bellarine Peninsula, including the beaches and foreshores of Ocean Grove, Barwon Heads, Thirteenth Beach and Breamlea.

Mr Smith said thousands of visitors joined the local communities every New Year’s Eve, but fireworks have not been part of the festivities since 2019.

“Safety of our community and staff is paramount, along with protecting the coast for generations to come,” he said.

Fireworks will take place on Geelong’s waterfront but not on part of the Bellarine.

“Fireworks can disturb the migratory and reproductive behaviour of wildlife, as well as contribute to the chemical pollution of soil, water and air.”

Geelong Animal Referral Services’ Nicole Trigg said fireworks didn’t only present a problem for wildlife, but also for pets.

“We see an increase in emergencies over these public holidays” Dr Trigg said.

“We roster more staff on these public holidays knowing we’ll see more incidents.

“A lot of scared dogs come in after New Year’s Eve as they escape from homes and backyards while their owners are out.

“Then there is a higher risk they can get hit by cars and or get into trouble.”

Dr Trigg would prefer fewer fireworks and said pet owners could speak to their vet to discuss options for distressed pets.

“And if possible stay home with them and keep them inside so they can’t escape,” she said.

In Geelong, two eight-minute fireworks displays will welcome the new year over Corio Bay on Tuesday.

There will be a family friendly display at 9.30pm followed by the traditional midnight display with best views from the waterfront.

On the Bellarine there will be 9.30pm and midnight fireworks in Queenscliff and in Portarlington a 9.20pm show.

In Lorne there will be two firework displays, one at 9.30pm and the other at midnight.

Victoria Police are urging people not to use illegal fireworks over the New Year’s break.

A Victoria Police spokesman said fireworks posed a major health and safety risk to the community and could only be used by licensed pyrotechnicians.

“Using fireworks in summer can also start fires, which is something we all want to prevent,” the spokesman said.

Geelong’s fireworks will include an early and late session.

“Anyone thinking of using illegal fireworks should reflect on whether they want to risk being responsible for the death or serious injury of another person.”

The spokesman said there was also risk that a bushfire sparked by a firework could destroy homes and communities, particularly in regional areas.

“It is just not worth the risk.” he said.

“Anyone caught using fireworks without a licence can face criminal charges, including jail for up to 15 years and thousands of dollars’ worth of fines.”

Ambulance Victoria’s Barwon South West regional director Terry Marshall said while emergency services were ready to assist, personal responsibility was the best way to stay safe this holiday period.

“If you plan on drinking alcohol, do so in moderation and stay hydrated with plenty of water between drinks,” Marshall said.

“Every year, we see people get into trouble from engaging in dangerous behaviour and often these are preventable incidents.”

Originally published as No NYE fireworks for the Barwon Coast, as authorities warn of risks