A report to be considered at the September Council meeting recommends the continued use of fireworks and animal-based entertainment at City of Greater Bendigo events, as appropriate and until technology evolves.
The City recently surveyed the community about the use of fireworks and animals at events run by the City only, following two Notices of Motion that were endorsed at the May Council meeting requesting staff investigate alternative forms of entertainment that are more inclusive for people and safer for animals and wildlife.
As the report notes, the overwhelming feedback from the community was to continue with both forms of entertainment.
Two separate surveys were prepared for the community, the fireworks survey focused on New Year's Eve and Bendigo Easter Festival Easter Saturday fireworks displays, while the use of animal-based entertainment related to petting zoos, wildlife displays and pony rides at events including the Bendigo Easter Festival, Fun Loong Fun Day and Play in the Garden Day.
Community engagement platform Let's Talk Greater Bendigo received a total of 3,958 responses of which 3,874 were considered valid (responses were invalid if the respondent had never attended any City-run event relating to the consultation and their given suburb or town was outside the City of Greater Bendigo municipality). This was the highest amount of feedback ever received on the Let's Talk Greater Bendigo platform since launching in February 2021. A range of in-person engagement also took place to promote the opportunity for people to have their say.
Of the 2,448 valid responses to the animal survey, 92.3% of people were in favour of maintaining animal-based entertainment. Of the 1,426 valid responses to the New Year's Eve fireworks display, 76.2% were in favour of it continuing, while 75.4% were in favour of the Bendigo Easter Festival Easter Saturday display continuing.
Part of the Notice of Motion directed staff to investigate alternative options. Three quotes were sourced for three separate drone providers to deliver an 8-12 minute show (approximately the same length as current fireworks displays). These ranged in cost from $67,000 - $240,000 per show. While the current fireworks contract is subject to commercial in confidence, the report notes there is a significant cost difference.
The use of animals is often in conjunction with other activities, however they are used to provide children with access to safely meet farm animals and reptiles. Although the City already has several measures in place to ensure animal safety and wellbeing, it is recommended processes are further strengthened when contracting licensed operators to provide animal-based entertainment.
