Toowoomba Regional Council (TRC) has made the difficult decision to pause a fireworks display in Queens Park on New Years Eve this year.
Environment and Community Portfolio Chair Cr James O'Shea said the difficult decision was made due to ongoing environmental and social concerns.
"The feedback TRC has received recently in relation to the ongoing dry summer, including the fact that we've already seen several serious bush fires and fire bans across our region during the past few months, has meant we've put a pause on fireworks in Queens Park for New Years Eve this year.
"Out of respect to our own local and neighbouring communities that have been devastatingly affected by fires in recent months, a fire centred celebration could be considered insensitive by some," Cr O'Shea said.
Cr O'Shea instead encouraged people to get out across the region and enjoy a number of community-led events this New Years.
"Jondaryan Woolshed will play host to a New Years Eve Bush Dance and I'd encourage as many people as possible to get along to this iconic venue to see in the New Year. There will be a traditional camp oven, bush bands and a New Years Day breakfast cook up for those camping over and taking advantage of the Woolshed caravan park on-site," he said.
Cr O'Shea said fireworks were planned for the City Golf Club's New Years Eve Western event.
"City Golf Club will have fireworks at 9pm and midnight along with live entertainment and a BBQ themed menu," he said.
Cr O'Shea said another big event being planned was the Toowoomba Turf Club's King of the Mountain Race Meeting, this year to be held on New Years Day
'"The King of the Mountain is fast becoming known as one the great regional Queensland race events, inspired by the renowned 'The Everest', and will this year be run on Monday 1 January," he said.
