City of Parramatta statement regarding New Year’s Eve festivities

City of Parramatta Council’s New Year’s Eve festivities at Parramatta Park, including the 9pm fireworks display, have been cancelled due to expected extreme weather conditions.

“Following consultation with NSW Fire and Rescue, the Bureau of Meteorology, and relevant State Government agencies, City of Parramatta Council has cancelled its popular New Year’s Eve event at Parramatta Park,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.

“Council was not granted an exemption to proceed with its fireworks display, due to the total fire ban in place and a range of associated risks including: extreme temperatures; smoke, dust and poor air quality; extremely dry conditions at Parramatta Park; and limited resources to manage potential fires locally due to fires across the state.

“In addition, the Bureau of Meteorology has forecast high winds with a southerly change on New Year’s Eve, which pose too big a risk to the health and safety of our community.

“It is unfortunate that we won’t be able to celebrate New Year’s Eve with our community. This decision has not been made lightly and Council apologises that it will not be able to deliver the popular free event.

“Council is making a $10,000 donation to the NSW Rural Fire Service to support their fantastic work. I encourage members of our community to do what they can to support our state’s firefighters at this challenging time.”