ROCKDALE Council has dismissed reports that this year's New Year's Eve fireworks will be cancelled.
Rumours had been circulating that the fireworks would be cancelled after a disappointing end to celebrations last year.
Thousands packed the foreshore at Botany Bay to view the annual family fireworks display but were left frustrated after long delays between fireworks and no finale. http://www.theleader.com.au/story/2798261/fireworks-end-with-a-fizz/
A council spokesman said at that time that a fire was to blame, which could not be be extinguished by hand because it was too close to a large mortar.
Water had to be sprayed on the blaze, which damaged the fireworks' fuses and wiring on the barge.
In response to a question put forward by Councillor Andrew Tsounis, the council recently revealed that the total cost to host the fireworks last year was $178,107.76.
Cr Tsounis said he supported the continuation of the fireworks but would like to see them better managed.
"I would like to see much more involvement by local businesses to help support the fireworks," he said.
"I regularly visit the businesses down there and a lot have told me they haven't been approached. I think there could be an arrangement made."
A council spokesman said "there was no reason why the fireworks would not go ahead this year".
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