North Sydney Council has voted to introduce a $50 ticket charge for access to the New Year's Eve fireworks at Blues Point Reserve, sparking community outrage. The council says the move is to offset event costs, despite having recorded a financial surplus last year.

Council of the City of Sydney

North Sydney Council has decided to implement a $50 ticket fee for people wishing to view the New Year's Eve fireworks from Blues Point Reserve. The decision, made during a recent council meeting, has been met with frustration from local residents, many of whom are upset that the fee does not include food, drinks, or transport.

The council argues that the ticket sales will help cover the more than a million dollars it costs to host the event, with 8,000 tickets expected to be sold. Some councillors pushed for exemptions, particularly for locals, but were unsuccessful. Critics have pointed out that the council posted a financial surplus last year, questioning the need for the new charge.

Council slammed for charging spectators to access NYE fireworks

Firing up over a fireworks fizzer. For goodness sakes, let them watch it for free. Outraged today on the streets of North Sydney, overnight its council voted to slap a ticket charge on watching the New Year's show from Blues Point Reserve. Are you serious? Yeah, $50. Oh, no. That's including food and drinks? No. And transport to and from the venue is it? No. Oh, okay. Every year outside this cafe, the party starts early. 2024 on the way out. As thousands flock to the prime spot, but the council claims it costs it more than a million dollars. Selling 8,000 tickets will drive its bill down a little. I think the locals should be able to fork out $50 for the tickets. In a fiery council meeting last night... For a family to attend, they would be looking in the order of hundreds of dollars to attend a park. Some councillors fought hard for exemptions. I'm really upset. We did try and fight on behalf of the people of North Sydney and we failed. What's even more galling to many residents is last financial year, North Sydney Council actually recorded a financial surplus. Counts declared a surplus, so we don't need to charge our residents. In 2018, the council charged adults $40 and children $20, but then COVID hit. At least its embattled pool is close to opening. And on that note, we used to have a New Year's Eve event at North Sydney Pool and I'd love to see that come back. And for free. Ali Donaldson, 10 News.

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