Mayor of Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional Council, Councillor Tim Overall today announced that the annual fireworks display that concludes Queanbeyan's Australia Day celebrations has been cancelled for this year. Money saved through the cancellation of the fireworks can be donated to bushfire relief.
"Our community, particularly those in Braidwood, Nerriga, Araluen, Majors Creek and surrounds, have faced a very challenging time in recent weeks and months. Persistent dry conditions, water restrictions, bushfire, and lingering smoke haze have all contributed to what has been a very tough end to 2019 and a difficult start to 2020," Mayor Overall said.
At its final meeting of 2019, during the height of the North Black Range Fire west of Braidwood, Council resolved to contribute a cash donation of $10,000 to the Braidwood Community Help Fund, set up under the auspices of the Braidwood Community Bank and the Braidwood Life Centre, to distribute to farming families affected by drought and bushfires. The funding was also provided to support assistance required by BlazeAid whose volunteers work with families and individuals in rural areas to help rebuild fences and other structures damaged or destroyed in the fires.
"Since the initial resolution of support, the bushfire crisis has continued to impact more and more of our communities. Over the Christmas/New Year holiday period the Currowan fire on the NSW south coast expanded and made its way over the Great Dividing Range toward Charleys Forrest, Tomboye and Nerriga and is currently still threatening Majors Creek and Araulen.
"Redirecting funds from the Queanbeyan fireworks display will allow Council to consider at its 22 January meeting, contributing a further $5,000 toward the Braidwood Community Help Fund to support our affected communities," the Mayor said.
Cancellation of the Australia Day fireworks does not form a blanket ban on all fireworks in Queanbeyan. Other hirers of facilities in Queanbeyan may choose to include fireworks displays if granted appropriate permits by the Rural Fire Service.
