Wollongong City Council has confirmed 2022 will be rung in with fireworks at Belmore Basin, for the first time since 2018.
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Acorn Lawyers' New Year's Eve Fireworks presented by Wollongong City Council will start at 9pm with a display over Wollongong Harbour.
General Manager Greg Doyle said the news would be a welcome surprise for residents keen for a low-key opportunity to celebrate New Year's Eve locally
"Our focus this New Year's Eve is on celebrating in a COVID-19 safe way," he said.
"As a result, we're taking an appropriately cautious approach to our end of year by offering an opportunity for friends and families to meet safely and enjoy the fireworks display.
"We've requested this year's fireworks to be fired higher into the sky to maximise the visibility across the city so people won't have to be right on the harbour to enjoy the show and can maintain a safe distance from one another.''
There will not be rides, food trucks or entertainment this year however. Last year rides, stalls and entertainers were also scratched because of social distancing requirements.
The 2020 celebrations were to feature a laser light show rather than fireworks but that too would be cancelled, due to a COVID case in Wollongong.
The last time fireworks were held in Wollongong was in 2018. You can watch the show in our video above.
In 2019, with bushfires burning, the fireworks were cancelled at the last minute when a total fire ban was expanded.
The minutes of Wollongong City Council's Traffic Committee meeting held in October included New Year's Eve closures of Endeavour Drive and Cliff Road.
"The proposed road closures are for the purpose of community safety due to the potential audience expected to view the 9pm fireworks display," the minutes stated.
The fireworks display should finish by 9.10pm.
The same measures are earmarked for Australia Day 2022.
Acorn Lawyers' NYE Fireworks presented by Wollongong City Council is alcohol-free, family friendly.
On 31 December between 8-9.30pm, road closures will be in place for community safety around Belmore Basin and there will be no parking prior to the road closures to reduce the number of cars parked within the closure.
"At this point in time, we're optimistic that Council will be able to put on a great fireworks show for our community to enjoy," Mr Doyle said.
"In the coming weeks, we'll continue to monitor the situation for any changes, and we'll work closely with the NSW Government to ensure that our NYE plans comply with the current Public Health Orders. We'll let our community know if there are any changes as we get closer to the date but for now, we look forward to celebrating the new year with our community."
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