For the first time in Canberra`s history, the Lunar New year fireworks show was cancelled because of a total ban on fire (Canberra Times photo)
Due to bad weather conditions, some Australian towns have now announced the cancellation of the New Year fireworks show.
Canberra announced the cancellation of the New Year fireworks show due to a total fire ban. Chief Emergency Services Commissioner Georgina Whelan, who announced the ban on Sunday afternoon, said:" The fire hazard rating during this period was severe. This means that if a fire occurs, it will be difficult to control and the fire will spread quickly. "
It is believed to be the first time in Canberra`s history that a total fire ban has cancelled the New Year fireworks show.
New State Lieutenant Governor calls for abolition of New year fireworks Show (Sydney Herald Morning Post)
New South Wales Lieutenant Governor John Barrero (John Barilaro) supports the call to cancel Sydney`s New year fireworks celebration.
This morning, he wrote on Twitter:" The risk of a fire is so high that we must respect the tired NSW Township Fire Service (RFS) volunteers. "
Before that, New State Governor Bergiklian said the fireworks should go according to plan, provided that they are approved safely by the RFS.
Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison (Scott Morrison) also responded to Bergiklian`s view, saying the annual celebration represents optimism and vitality, which is what the world is looking forward to.
An online petition book with more than a quarter of a million signatures has called for the new year`s fireworks to be cancelled and suggested that the saved money be spent on forest fires and drought relief.
Faced with public concern, the city of sydney government said most of the budget had been spent.
Sydney-based government has donated A $620,000 to help communities and wildlife affected by forest fires and droughts. The city government will also promote the red cross disaster recovery and relief (Red Cross Disaster Recovery and Relief) fund during live broadcast at the new year`s event.
Sean Fitzsimmons, the new state rural fire service commissioner, said Sydney fireworks could go on as usual even if there was a total ban, but the final decision would not be confirmed until this afternoon.
Fitzsimmons says everything goes as planned unless the weather service deems it inappropriate. "I don`t think the New Year fireworks will be cancelled because of a total fire ban," he said. "
Fitzsimmons said they will monitor the weather on New year`s Eve and expect southerly winds to cool the Greater Sydney area by 9 p.m. If a total ban is announced, not all fireworks will be exempted, and RFS will assess the risk of setting off fireworks based on the location.
On New year`s Eve, temperatures in parts of Sydney will soar, with temperatures expected to reach 44 degrees Celsius in Perez (Penrith) and Richmond (Richmond). According to the Weather Service, the Sydney area will reach 33 ℃ on Tuesday, with haze at night, possibly accompanied by thunderstorms.
More than 1 million people are expected to travel to Sydney Harbour to watch the famous fireworks display, bringing revenue of A $130 million to the new state.
The New year fireworks display in Melbourne will be held as scheduled (< 7News > figure).
With tomorrow`s highest temperature just 21°C, Melbourne city government said the city`s fireworks campaign will be on schedule, with 400,000 people expected to attend the New Year festivities.
