Anne Wright From: Herald Sun
December 31, 2011 12:00AM
51 comments
Expect a fireworks spectacular in Melbourne on New Year's Eve. Source: HWT Image Library
PYROTECHNISTS primed seven tonnes of fireworks while police talked tactics yesterday as the city braced for tonight's spectacular New Year's celebrations.
Melbourne City Council has spent $400,000 to ensure the city skyline erupts at midnight.
More than 10,000 fireworks will shoot from 16 locations, including 11 CBD building rooftops.
But police will be on the lookout for another kind of fireworks.
Extra officers will patrol the streets tonight, and a public order response team will be poised to deal with any unruly behaviour.
In the no-alcohol zones of St Kilda beach and the city centre, they will be issuing fines for drinking in public.
And police units will be stationed in hot spots such as the CBD, St Kilda, Fitzroy, Port Melbourne and Chapel St.
Assistant Commissioner Steve Fontana said police had also been deployed to popular holiday spots at the Surf Coast, Phillip Island, and larger regional cities, and on the train and tram systems.
"We're not just policing the streets. We're also policing the transport system, we're policing the waterways, and we're also policing the roads," he said.
Howard and Sons, the pyrotechnics company behind the fireworks, has been developing its display for nine months, working with council to design a show suited to Melbourne's skyline.
Director Andrew Howard said all fireworks had been designed electronically and were linked to 16 computers controlling the show.
"All will be revealed at midnight.
"There are a few surprises in there, and we'll just keep them up our sleeves at the moment," he said.
"Even I'm looking forward to the show. There's a lot of stuff I haven't seen before."
The Metropolitan Fire Brigade warned against the use of illegal fireworks in back yards, especially in light of predicted soaring temperatures.
And Metro will be checking the clock at Flinders St Station before the countdown to midnight, after its timekeeping was called into question this week.
A Metro spokesman said the clock had been as far as two hours ahead and regularly behind this week, so staff would be on standby to adjust it if needed.
Free public transport will run all night for party-goers.
But Acting Premier Peter Ryan warned troublemakers to stay away from the city.
"We do have an element of course, unfortunately, who insist upon causing trouble when these occasions arise. And I just say to those people, don't make fools of yourselves and don't spoil the night for others," he said.
Federation Square said it was expecting 100,000 revellers, pushing visits for the year above 9 million.
***
57 comments on this story
gt of Hoppers Crossing Posted at 12:41 AM Today
Lets hope they dont telecast Sydney's fireworks instead on ch 9 like every year.
Comment 1 of 57
Jason Posted at 12:43 AM Today
I just find it an absolute joke that there are legal and illegal fireworks. As if people are not going to set off rockets etc on News year Eve for the morons that bothered to buy them. It is a bit like saying the authorities can drink but you cant. Either ban them outright or not. I personally think they are a total waste of my taxpayers money. A thrill for what a few minutes
Comment 2 of 57
Bal of Melbourne Posted at 1:22 AM Today
What an absolute waste of tax-payers money
Comment 3 of 57
Gina of Melbourne Posted at 1:56 AM Today
Big deal!! Waste of taxpayers money for 1 night.
Comment 4 of 57
Old Timer of Melbourne Posted at 4:27 AM Today
What a waste of ratepayers money. And the tax payer cops it also, with all the overtime for police who should be catching real criminals, and not drunk morons who will go to watch the fireworks. There are other ways to have a good time without fireworks. If you want fireworks, go to Sydney.
Comment 5 of 57
Jim of Melbourne Posted at 6:12 AM Today
Waste would not miss fereworks.
Comment 6 of 57
Fred Posted at 7:09 AM Today
".....while police talked tactics as the city braced for New Year's celebrations." How sad that we have to 'brace' for celebrations in a purportedly civilised nation. Can't we have fun anymore without alcohol, drugs, assaults and robberies, vomit and rubbish on the streets and stabbings? So very good to see the government and the police getting firm and saying, have fun but if you step out of line you will be arrested. But really, we should be able to celebrate without need for coppers to do any more than help lost people find their way. The behaviour of many of today's younger people really is quite crass when you look at it. Have fun people, but behave and consider others and leave the streets and parks clean.
Comment 7 of 57
Jac of Melbourne Posted at 8:30 AM Today
I love Melbourne and the fire works. Well done City of Melbourne. I will be there tonight
Comment 8 of 57
Safa of the NAVY BLUES Posted at 8:49 AM Today
Whatever
Comment 9 of 57
Anth Posted at 9:01 AM Today
LIGHTEN UP people! its NEW YEARS EVE!...party responsibly :)
Comment 10 of 57
Mark of Melb. Posted at 9:17 AM Today
Will probably be asleep by 10pm.
Comment 11 of 57
Angie001 of Keilor Posted at 9:25 AM Today
I'm sure the suburban fireworks bogans will still be letting fireworks off a month from New Year's.
Comment 12 of 57
Zappy of Geelong Posted at 9:26 AM Today
I'm with everyone else. Not only is this a wicked waste of money but a laser light show would be about a bazillion times better. Fireworks are dead boring.
Comment 13 of 57
Greg Posted at 9:39 AM Today
AND of course as usual .... On TV the only place that exists on NYE is bloody Sydney !!!! I have NO interest at all in going into the city at anytime let alone NYE but I'd like to be able to see the fireworks on the box but nooooooooooooo ONLY Sydney has fireworks IF you are stupid enough to believe the Sydneycentric TV stations !!!!!!!!
Comment 14 of 57
eva of melbourne Posted at 9:44 AM Today
So glad that WE CAN AFFORD TO SEND UP IN SMOKE MILLIONS OF DOLLARS GONE IN A FLASH! I hope that none of decision makers need to rely on HOSPITALS let alone on the FRANKSTONE hospital where the sick are dying of joy at such display!!! After all FUN & GAMES take PRIORITY in the minds of the Educated along with the non educated equally it seems!! How did this world of ours ever SURVIVED without BURNING UP ITS FORCEABLY COLLECTED MONEY TO BE USED AS THE WHIM TAKES THE ONES ENTRUSTED WITH IT FOR THE "BENEFIT" OF THE COMMUNITY????????
Comment 15 of 57
Sam S of Melbourne Posted at 9:48 AM Today
Melbourne needs 1 location for a serious fireworks display rather than having it spread out everywhere. We used to have SKYSHOW at Albert Park lake 20 years ago which was synchronised to music and an amazing family event. Bring THAT back for New Years!
Comment 16 of 57
cb of Melbourne Posted at 9:48 AM Today
Total waste of taxpayer money in the face of massive utility rises, and hot weather, and the fact that it frightens people's pets, and did I mention utility rises? What is the point? I never go because I have to stay home to make sure that the local idiot population don't set off fireworks near my horses, and frighten the life out of them. It happened last year.
Comment 17 of 57
rosehappy with free fire works of chelsea Posted at 9:49 AM Today
Lighten up all you sticks in mud, my family and friends went last year it was a great and free night out to have , yes it was hot but there was heaps of shade and heaps of free water for all , lots offree stuff for the kids to do,so pack up your blankets, food ,and family go to the fire works and have agreat , happy and safe night, ohh the trains are free after 6pm tonight ,its not a waste of $$$$ it just a greatfree night out
Comment 18 of 57
Me of Melb. Posted at 9:59 AM Today
It is boring!!! Just old stuff repeats every year...
Comment 19 of 57
Greg of Melbourne Posted at 10:01 AM Today
Has anyone seen the film Land Of The Dead? Zombies, dumb as they are, love to watch fireworks. Melbournian bogans who love their fireworks, the grand prix and new sporting stadiums will be next complaining about a lack of hospital beds and the government wasting money.
Comment 20 of 57
Johno Posted at 10:15 AM Today
the amount of revenue generated by events like these for the city of Melbourne totally eclipses the spend. Those saying waste of money are probably the same who bah humbug Christmas as well. I for one will enjoy the free entertainment put on by my city and for the enjoyment of all.
Comment 21 of 57
joe from the bush Posted at 10:15 AM Today
And tonight is special compared to every other night because ...? it's a number on the roman calender...ho hum,big deal the idea of a laser display is a beauty,flick a switch get a dazzling show for a few kilowatt hours of electricty flick the switch again,done and dusted...no waste,no fumes,no disgusting smell and best of all no risk of a bush fire at all ...makes sense so obviously it wont happen....
Comment 22 of 57
Mark of LAX Posted at 10:18 AM Today
Im in LA this year an will miss it, booooo. Looks like a good one for Melbourne this year. Funny note, you know how we all complain in Melbourne that the Sydney fireworks get all the attention. Well guess what they play over here on TV, yep the Sydney fireworks!!! Cant escape them, but still makes you proud that an Aussie city is being beamed out across the world on new year. Happy new yea Melbourne
Comment 23 of 57
Jay of Narre Warren South Posted at 10:30 AM Today
Those people complaining about fireworks, GET A LIFE it's only one night a year to celebrate the new year. Those people who have pets maybe have them looked after or in a cage until fireworks have finished. It's great that over 500,000 people come into city. Well done city of Melbourne
Comment 24 of 57
Nappy of Nanny state Posted at 10:35 AM Today
Can the police/council/government please make statements telling us how to behave! ? Having too much fun could of course have terrible consequences plus I'm a simpleton and need to be told how to s ranch myself!
Comment 25 of 57
millie of Melbourne Posted at 10:40 AM Today
Albeit a short version, but the Melbourne fireworks are also shown on TV.
Comment 26 of 57
jen from southbank of southbank Posted at 10:49 AM Today
Melbourne, I love you. You embrace the spirit. I am proud to be a melbournian and wouldn't miss the fireworks for the world. As for Sydney, who? where? Melbourne is the world's most livable city!! Happy 2012 Australia.
Comment 27 of 57
gran of melb suburbs unfortunately for us. Posted at 10:52 AM Today
Stupid stupid stupid, terrifying the dogs, cats,bats, possums, birds and for what? an excuse for alcoholic idiots to congregate and beat each other up. Taxpayers money down the drain, what an equation. Doyle you are not leading by rational example, banning a handful of decent protestors a month or so back and now ENCOURAGING thousands of louts to gather ??????????? beyond belief.
Comment 28 of 57
Barry of Mont Albert Posted at 10:58 AM Today
The profits are made only by the bars and takeaway franchises lining the fireworks area. The City of Melbourne spends millions, and the cost of police, extra hospital admission, the inevitable messy clean-up and (any?) extra transport is born largely by the taxpayers, whether we like it or not. The fireworks are not "free".
Comment 29 of 57
Dingo Simon of Outback Qld Posted at 11:00 AM Today
All the comments here have failed to pick up on what I think is most important. Has anyone realised of the absolute fear and terror that fills all the animals, pets and wildlife when their night sky explodes into a visual and audio nightmare? 100's of dogs scramble in frantic panic trying to escape their homes. Native wildlife and birds crash into each other in the air as they fly around in total panic not understanding that once again man has decided his right to destroy the environment over rules the sanctity and safety of out precious wildlife. And all this for what ? Wasted money gone up in smoke, wasted resources spent on Police and security just to have a light show that last for a few minutes? Millions $$$$ will have been wasted this night for no viable return, when the money should be put to Hospitals.
Comment 30 of 57
kevin Posted at 11:24 AM Today
Are all the fire works subject to the carbon tax?
Comment 31 of 57
Louise of Ballarat Posted at 11:27 AM Today
$400,0000 would do more good spent in hospitals and education,
Comment 32 of 57
Caroline of Victoria Posted at 11:39 AM Today
Living in a seaside area tonight is the most dreaded night of the year. We will have drunks in the street all night, fireworks going off from before dark onwards, the children/babies won't sleep, the dogs will be terrified not to mention dangerous drivers on normally quiet streets. We are a long way from being a civilised society and making our world heaven on earth.
Comment 33 of 57
Maria of Oak Sth Posted at 11:49 AM Today
Thunder and lighting is just as frightning for animals and wildlife. NYE only happens once a year....everyone needs to lighten up, stop being so political and dramatic and enjoy the evening and the entertainment provided for us...I will be!
Comment 34 of 57
Lance of Melbourne Posted at 11:53 AM Today
Colour and Movement. That's all it needs to keep them all happy. That and a non stop party culture. It's a terrible reflection on life today.
Comment 35 of 57
Malcolm of Kings Park Posted at 11:57 AM Today
Hope everyone has happy and safe new year I am at home sick, was attacked december 15th 1999 I raised two kids alone working but it's all catching up with me now. The headaches and sore neck are worse all the time. Hopefully start of new year and try fresh beginning again. have to be more positive to get through it all :)
Comment 36 of 57
Shaun of Melbourne Posted at 11:59 AM Today
wow, the kill joys with no life are out in force today going by the comments. I think its a fantastic event. I pay taxes too and I think this great for the life blood of Melbourne.
Comment 37 of 57
Mr Concerned Posted at 12:08 PM Today
"while police talked tactics yesterday as the city braced for tonight's spectacular New Year's celebrations." - I was going to go to the fireworks with my family but this headline makes it sound like we'll be heading into a riot situation. I'm thinking now we should stay at home and comfort our 15 pets from the noise. What year is it anyway I forgot how to think for myself ages ago?
Comment 38 of 57
Nick K of Broadmeadows Victoria Posted at 12:11 PM Today
Happy Knew year everyone and the Heraldsun team wishing a peace around the world and healtyness Malcome im sorry to here that i was the same i was attacked broud daylight for money to many crime happpening no were safe anymore
Comment 39 of 57
BLOOP Posted at 12:27 PM Today
to be fair, they waste tax payers money every day.
Comment 40 of 57
leave me out Posted at 12:28 PM Today
Disgraceful waste of money. A few years ago, Melbourne didn't do this cracker night then it became a case of "monkey see, monkey do," copying other cities. People who support it shouldn't whinge about not being able to get a hospital bed because this is the funding priority. Some lucky company gets millions for one night. Pity all the animals, including those in the zoo. They suffer for human stupidity.
Comment 41 of 57
Trevor of G-Town Posted at 12:40 PM Today
Yawn! Bogans have been letting them off for over a week now in my neighborhood!
Comment 42 of 57
big al of victoria Posted at 1:05 PM Today
Doyle is nothing but a show pony, from sending money up in smoke with a bang to financing moronic street artists with their 'art'.
Comment 43 of 57
Cara Posted at 1:46 PM Today
The affect that this has on Melbourne's wildlife and domestic animals is appaling. The lack of responsibility shown by those letting off Ãllegal'fireworks in the suburbs is deplorable. Speaking personally, my dog gets so frightened that he, along with many other dogs, get given medication at events like these in an atempt to reduce the physical stress caused by his anxiety. The thing is though, that it has to be given one hour prior to the fireworks starting to have an affect. If locals let off firecrackers prior to this, I cannot give my dog the meds he needs to help keep him calm. Given after the anxiety kicks in will not have the desired affect. Please don't let off fire crackers tonight, and if you belive this is wrong like so many people seem to, for whatever reason then speak up and have this stopped alltogether. Happy and Safe New Year.
Comment 44 of 57
Sabra Posted at 2:07 PM Today
I just don't understand the celebration of a new year on the Julian calender? What's there to celebrate? It's just like any other night. The Julian calender is a traditional myth used to record time-lines and history. It's not like man evolved with the Julian Calender as a law of nature. Why waste money on pyrotechnics when we have serious education and healthcare funding shortages?
Comment 45 of 57
nev Posted at 2:13 PM Today
What a waste..and as for celebrating no thanks...in this city a bashing, stabbing, or robbery are the risks you take.
Comment 46 of 57
Centurion of Mexico Posted at 2:39 PM Today
Why do we have these fireworks??? I thought we were supposed to be worried about pollution? I'll believe all the guff about carbon pollution when discretionary things like fireworks displays and night sport (under lights) are banned by governments because they cause unnecessary pollution. Until then the Labor Carbon Tax is just a sneaky tax and has nothing to do with pollution.
Comment 47 of 57
eai melbourne Posted at 2:39 PM Today
Spare a thought for all the stressed and frightened animals tonight, NYE is just another night so why all the expensive fuss. I don't mean to be a stick in the mud, but seriously.....
Comment 48 of 57
Andrew of Mt Evelyn Posted at 2:44 PM Today
At least Richard Wilkens has his one gig for the year. Shame that Sydney is stuck for ideas and will have to use that old bridge again!!
Comment 49 of 57
Charlie of Melbourne Posted at 2:54 PM Today
$400,000, what a waste of money and yet there are people that can't even get meal for the night, and on top of that they scare the living daylights of dogs and cat's, my poor cat is so scared of the noise that i have to hold him next to me and fold his ears down so he can't hear as much, and clamp my hand over his eyes.
Comment 50 of 57
Jill of Melbourne Posted at 3:05 PM Today
Who was the bright spark who invented fire works?
Comment 51 of 57
Keely mitchell of melbourne Posted at 3:30 PM Today
If they going to waste money like this they could at least show melbourne un like last year
Comment 52 of 57
Shaun of Sunbury Posted at 3:50 PM Today
Why go to the CBD to watch fireworks? I'm going to my brother-in-laws in Taylors Hill.Every year we sit in the spa/pool & watch the fireworks their while having a drink & staying cool & they usually keep going to 2am LOL.And yes I do have a dog(hope he's home when I get there).
Comment 53 of 57
benny of melbourne Posted at 4:00 PM Today
Would love to go out to the beach like we used to, but unfortunately all my friends have gone their separate ways, so it's a NYE at home on the couch for me tonight :(
Comment 54 of 57
Ed. of Melbourne of Melbourne Posted at 4:01 PM Today
gt of Hoppers Crossing and everyone else that is interested CHANNEL 7 is showing the Melbourne Fireworks from 11.30 unlike Channel Sydney opps I mean channel 9. Had to laugh when I saw on Sunrise this morning people in Sydney sleeping out over night to get a good spot, but you can expect that to happen when they only have a bridge for fire them from. But here in Melbourne you can turn up after 6.00 pm and still get a good spot as we can fire them of from several places.
Comment 55 of 57
Nathalie of East Melbourne Posted at 4:07 PM Today
More wasting of money by the Liberals. Shocking.
Comment 56 of 57
Peter of Central Vic Posted at 5:18 PM Today
So hundreds of thousands will be out having a wonderful time watching fireworks tonight at a cost of about two dollars for each in attendance. It concentrates the celebrations where it can be better supervised by police, to an extent where even kids can join in the early celebrations. What a great way to spend tax payers money. If this wasn't happening then people would be scattered making their own drunken fun, and we all know what that leads too. And you kill joys would all then be complaining again, because that is what kill joys do. I do sympathise with those that will have stressed pets, however.
Comment 57 of 57
____________
What do you think ?
Các anh chị nghĩ thế nào, có ý kiến phê bình gì qua bài viết "Countdown to a city spectacular" của Anne Wright và 57 Ý kiến phê bình từ "57 Comments" của đọc giả ?
Chân thành cám ơn Quý Anh Chị ghé thăm "conbenho Nguyễn Hoài Trang Blog"
Xin được lắng nghe ý kiến chia sẻ của Quý Anh Chị trực tiếp tại Diễn Đàn Paltalk: 1Latdo Tapdoan Vietgian CSVN Phanquoc Bannuoc .
Kính chúc Sức Khỏe Quý Anh Chị .
conbenho
Tiểu Muội quantu
Nguyễn Hoài Trang
31122011
___________
CSVN là TỘI ÁC
Bao che, dung dưỡng TỘI ÁC là đồng lõa với TỘI ÁC
No comments:
Post a Comment