Sydney’s New Year’s Eve Fireworks Will Go Ahead Despite Petition and Fire Bans

The terrible ongoing bushfires and the current weather conditions in New South Wales has led to total fire bans across 11 areas in the region, according to ABC News. Areas that wish to put on a fireworks display to ring in the new year in these areas must apply for an exemption. The organizers of the fireworks show in Sydney have been granted such permission.

Clover Moore, Sydney’s mayor, has acknowledged the petition’s concerns, but is showing no sign of conceding to its demands. In response to the petition, she said, “Our fireworks are planned 15 months in advance and most of the budget — which is largely allocated to crowd safety and cleaning measures — has already been spent. And with just weeks to go, many have already booked hotels and restaurants and planned their trip to watch the fireworks.”

While Moore has decided not to cancel the fireworks, comments under the petition, which has been signed by almost 280,000 people, reveal anger and frustration:

“It is obscene to put more smoke in the air & risk more fires when communities just outside Sydney are BURNING. And, firefighters & burnt communities need that money!”

“Simple. Australians all across the country need the money to rebuild their schools, their homes. It’s a matter of priority and this is where we show we care.”

As of right now, the $4 million harbor fireworks display will proceed as planned.