Residents asked to consider Fireworks or Sound and Light Show Options

The City of Ballarat is seeking feedback from the community for their preference between annual fireworks display or a sound and light show as part of its events strategy.
 
A public survey launched on Council’s mySay page is asking residents to choose between the two options and three potential timelines for the entertainment to be linked to an existing event.

The three preferred options for the fireworks or sound and light show to be scheduled in 2022 are: 
·    During Summer Holidays – January/February (excluding Australia Day)
·    March – as part of the annual Begonia Festival 
·    December – as part of Council’s Christmas campaign
 
These timeframes have been made with consideration of:
·    Weather impacts – Fireworks do not work in rain, low cloud or poor weather conditions
·    Audience /crowd comfort if positioned during warmer/drier months 
·    Market leveraging – given the short duration of either option- aligning the presentation within a program         or existing event or activity allows for greater efficiencies to attract a sizeable audience.  
 
Lake Wendouree is the preferred site for both a fireworks or sound and light show.
 
The current Fireworks display runs for approximately 15-20 minutes at a cost of $38,000.
 
A sound and light show of similar length at Lake Wendouree would be at an estimated cost of $200,000-$250,000.
 
Mayor Cr Daniel Moloney said Council had made a commitment to plan for future 26 January/Australia Day activities that provide an opportunity to promote understanding, respect and reconciliation and to explore through community consultation, how to transition the January 26 fireworks.
 
The mySay survey is open until 30 July. The feedback will form part of report to be presented to Council in September.

Click here to view the mySay survey.