Port Douglas’ popular New Years Eve fireworks looks certain to only have one showing this year due to lack of funding.

In recent years, the New Year’s Eve line-up has featured two sets of pyrotechnic celebrations launched near Market Park and Rex Smeal Park at 9pm and midnight, which attract hundreds of New Years revellers.

But Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce president,  Ken Dobbs, says a lack of fundraising via local business and the rising cost of the fireworks has forced the Chamber to only provide a midnight show, meaning families who traditionally attend the earlier show may miss out on the yearly spectacular.

“Over the past few years, the Port Douglas Chamber of Commerce has organised the New Years Eve fireworks and has been able to have two fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve because of the support of Council and the businesses of Port Douglas,” Mr Dobbs said.

“The support from business this year has declined significantly and also the cost of the fireworks has increased, so unfortunately, we will only be able to have one firewoks show this year at midnight.

“It’s a shame that we can’t continue with two shows, partly for the young kids.

“However,  we thank the businesses who have contributed this year and enabled the midnight show to go ahead.”

Mr Dobbs said a campaign launched by the Chamber in July to get local businesses to pitch in and donate to the cause had failed to secure the $10,000 to $12,000 needed to provide two fireworks shows.

The campaign also prompted locals to make suggestions on improved Christmas decorations on Macrossan Street.

Donation tins were placed in Port Douglas’ Coles and IGA supermarkets, which Mr Dobbs said had resulted in “a few hundred dollars, but not enough to raise the full amount needed for two fireworks shows”.

“But I do want to thank the community for making those donations in our supermarkets – this has secured one definite show,” Mr Dobbs said.

“The Chamber makes a substantial donation to the fireworks, however we are not in a position to increase our contribution to offset the decline in donations.”

See previous articles on this subject:

http://www.tourismportdouglas.com.au/Call-for-input-into-festive-festivities.6152.0.html 

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