The thing with fireworks is if you’ve seen one lot you’ve seen them all. There is nothing particularly different about these lot so in that respect you could easily argue “what’s the point”. But it’s New Year’s Eve and it helps people get excited and celebrate so I can see why people like to see them. The money it costs is an argument you could make every year. There is no real reason to spend so much money on something that will be over on 20 minutes. The government should be doing more for the current problems you list anyway. They should be spending the money to help. Don’t necessarily think the money should be taken from a New Years celebration.

I don't enjoy fireworks, find them quite boring. But is people do like them hey what is wrong with that ?

Misguided "sensitivity" They may be called fireworks , doesn't mean they are meant to set Sydney on fire. Do you stop having a shower when there is a flood somewhere ? 

I have plenty of empathy for the victims and real injustice ,not this manufactured outrage.

That has nothing to do with it, a few million for fireworks makes no difference to the money he gives for relief. Scomo is simply a typical conservative, only cares about the rich.

Whale wrote: I have plenty of empathy for the victims and real injustice ,not this manufactured outrage. And now that you mention it extravagant waste of money, , I guess that would apply every year in . So it is not about the fires at all, or is 2019 a particularly fiscally demanding year

Passing Through wrote: Or a week of butler serviced holiday on a private island in Fiji for Morrison in May Doc? Cost is not the issue, it is a personal moral issue. I was over fireworks years ago, dont bother watching any of them anytime. I dont see the connection between fires and fireworks though, as long as there is no fire risk. Also they are a net positive economically with what they generate for Sydney as an event.

How many fires has the Sydney New Years fireworks started since it was started in 1976?

Those pretty colours in fireworks are made from metal : lead, copper, aluminium, titanium etc. The smoke contains minute particles.You would not want to breath that, would you?
Ban them, not only at this time of the year, but all year.

Passing Through wrote: I think the whole thing is put on by the Sydney City Council run by a committee appointed by them. They do their own fundraising. The only NSW or Federal Govt influence on it is the calling of a state of emergency by either govt. which would cancel it.

acacia alba wrote: VSP. wrote: I think you have seriously missed the point Whale. And I for one have donated to several appeals, particularly the one for the families of the two young fireys who died. Have you? There are so many No-No's - from the extravagant waste of money, to the pollution, to the Total Fire Ban weather likely, to the complete insensitivity of such an occasion. But I know not everyone has the nous (or empathy) to 'get it' so don't feel badly if you dont understand. Yes, my point too.  Its rude, and shows no empathy at all.  Sending money up in smoke , when so many other caring people are putting their hand in the pocket to try and help the human and animal victims.  As VSP says, its just plain insensitive.  Not to mention waste of money, and pollution.  Have you donated Whale ?  Or are you too sour , and just enjoy potting others ?

Have heard a few anti fireworks women on talk back radio. Many of them are angry, screeching, abusive and totally IGNORANT.  Just heard an old bag called Judy ranting and raving, was that you AA ?

Passing Through wrote: Wouldn't be our AA Whale she is totally fair and balanced and 100% non political. Just ask her.