‘We have little choice': North Sydney Council to charge $50 for view of NYE fireworks
'It's sad to hear there will be a $50 charge. It's always been free, and I think it's been a great attraction for everyone around to just come and watch the fireworks. It's the perfect spot to watch,' Wezeman said.
The North Sydney resident always sees packed crowds eagerly awaiting the fireworks at the popular viewing spot. Now she is considering finding another location, or skipping the night entirely.
'There's always a huge line into this place because everyone wants to come here. Now I have to think about it – and I think more people will have to think about it. The council should have thought about costs earlier,' she said.
Changing tickets for the fireworks was one of the options considered by the financially embattled North Sydney Council to repair its budget in May, after the pricing regulator rejected a proposed 87 per cent rate rise.
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The council warned it would face 'critical decisions' after the cost of the fraught North Sydney Olympic Pool rebuild has nearly doubled from an initial estimate of $58 million to more than $122 million.
It would make around $400,000 by selling 8000 tickets, which would help offset the $1 million it costs the council to host crowds on New Year's Eve.
Mayor Zoe Baker said it was not an easy decision and one she made 'reluctantly'. She is hopeful the state government will provide the council with funding to alleviate some costs.
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It's seen 86 swimming and diving world records. It has hosted two Empire Games. And its 1930s architecture and harbourside location, beneath the rumbling Harbour Bridge railway and overseen by the grinning face of Luna Park, must place it near the top of any global list of spectacular sporting venues. But lately the achievements at North Sydney Olympic Pool haven't been quite so magnificent. When it finally ends, a two-year renovation budgeted at $57 million will have taken five years and cost $122 million. It's put the local council $56 million in debt, prompting it to consider some unpopular methods of clawing back cash, like increasing rates by 90 per cent, charging people to watch New Year's Eve fireworks, and selling public streets to private schools. The council has also had to curtail its public works budget and can't afford essential works like repairing leaking roofs at childcare and community centres. All in one of the nation's wealthiest areas. 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