Input wanted on lights or fireworks

FOLLOWING a decision by City of Ballarat council in late 2020 to cancel what had become a traditional 26 January fireworks display at Lake Wendouree, the hunt is now on for a replacement.

The municipality has opened up an online survey canvasing opinions on alternatives, including dates and display options.

Plans to consult on a replacement came out of a decision made at council’s regular 27 January meeting.

“One of the complaints people had with the Australia Day fireworks is that we hadn’t consulted widely enough,” said Cr Tracy Hargreaves at the time.

“If we could question the community widely, we would have numbers and figures to refer to.

“Get a gauge on how many people want fireworks, how many people are happy to go with something else, can we explore the sound and light show?”

Of the two options relating to type of event, the municipality is proposing either a fireworks display, or a light and sound show.

A statement released by the City said the expected cost of a 15-to-20-minute fireworks event is about $38,000.

A light and sound display of about the same length is estimated to cost between $200,000 and $250,000.

As for timing, a range of dates have been proposed for 2022.

They include during the summer holidays in January or February, in March as part of Begonia Fest, or in December during the lead up to Christmas.

Whenever they occur, one date that’s not an option is 26 January.

“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,” a statement from the municipality said.

Lake Wendouree is still the preferred site for any event.

You can take part in the survey until 30 July by visiting mysay.ballarat.vic.gov.au.