Fireworks fans can look forward to a brighter display on the Sunshine Coast this New Year’s Eve but there will be no midnight show.
Tens of thousands of people are expected to attend the evening display at Mooloolaba, where the sky will light up in style.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli encouraged locals to welcome in the new year, along the beachfront from 5pm to 10pm.
“You’ll find a range of family-friendly festivities, leading up to the much-anticipated 8.30pm fireworks display,” she said via a council media release.
“Fireworks will be bigger this year, meaning you’ll see them from Cotton Tree in the north to La Balsa in the south.”
But council will not host its traditional midnight fireworks.
A council spokesperson detailed why.
“Sunshine Coast Council, in partnership with emergency services, is committed to delivering a safe, family-focused New Year’s Eve community event at Mooloolaba,” they said.
“We are making some changes to the event format, based on recommendations from the Queensland Police Service, to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our broader community.
“This decision supports QPS in managing community safety across the Sunshine Coast on one of the busiest nights of the year.
“The 8.30pm fireworks event is designed to prioritise a family-friendly atmosphere, noting that attendees post 8.30pm are predominantly youth.
“Additionally, the rising costs of event delivery have influenced this change.
“Hosting one fireworks display at 8.30pm is more cost-effective and reduces environmental impacts. It also allows additional beach cleans and inspections before crowds arrive on New Year’s Day morning, ensuring a cleaner and safer environment for everyone.
“Council is working with our fireworks provider, environmental community groups and Council staff to develop and deliver a best-practice environment plan for this event.”
Council revealed in January that it could abandon the midnight event with data showing that about 65 per cent of attendances to celebrations occurred around the 8.30pm fireworks, dropping off to about 35 per cent for the midnight show.
The mayor expected this year’s event to be a blast.
“The esplanade will come alive with roving entertainment and face painting for the kids, food trucks and markets, and getting there will be a breeze with a range of active and public transport options,” she said.
“As usual, community safety is our priority, so to ensure everyone has an enjoyable evening, this is strictly an alcohol, drug and glass-free event.
“Queensland Police will be on site and event partners will be on deck to make this an enjoyable celebration for everyone.
“We’re expecting more than 30,000 people will celebrate New Year’s Eve in Mooloolaba this year, so we encourage attendees to use active and public transport.
“You’ll also find fireworks displays at Coolum and Caloundra at 8.30pm, as well as a range of local events across the region, funded through council’s Festive and Commemorative Events grants program.”
To help shape future festive season celebrations, council encouraged the community to provide feedback via Have Your Say.
For more details visit Sunshine Coast Events.
Getting there
- Bikes and scooters: For those wanting to beat the crowds and cycle or scoot to the event, Council’s ThinkChange program is offering a free BikePark service. You’ll find these at Charles Clark Park on River Esplanade in the south and opposite the Steve Irwin statue on Mooloolaba Esplanade in the north. Simply ride or scoot in and leave your ride in the safety of the BikePark which will be fully staffed until the end of the event. Make sure you remember your helmets and lights for the return journey.
- Public transport: Plan your journey using the Translink Journey Planner.
- Park and ride: Jump on a free Park and Ride shuttle at Chancellor State Secondary College in Sippy Downs. Park at the Claymore Road carpark (CP15) and jump off at Alexandra Headland. Shuttles will run continuously from 5-11pm. Further information will be posted to the Facebook event page in December.
- Uber and Taxi services: A dedicated Uber drop-off point will be located at Alexandra Headland and the taxi rank at Mooloolaba Esplanade will operate as usual.
Ferry: The new Mooloolaba Ferry Service will be operating between Kawana Waters and Mooloolaba. Visit mooloolabaferry.com.au for timetables.
Dining
- Grab a tasty treat from one of the food trucks or pack a picnic and kick back with fine homemade fare. If you’re looking to make a night of it, book into your favourite restaurant. Find local deals at discovermooloolaba.com.
- Water stations will be available, so don’t forget to BYO water bottle.
Pets and animals
- For safety, animals are not permitted in the fenced event zone. For advice on caring for pets and animals during fireworks, visit rspcaqld.org.au.
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