Why Melbourne NYE fireworks are ‘absolutely critical’ for city businesses

Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp says the continued investment in celebrating New Year’s Eve in the CBD is crucial for the city’s small businesses.

The Melbourne City Council will spend $4.5 million on this year’s fireworks spectacular, with the bulk of that cost allocated to security and safety around the city on the night.

“We think it’s absolutely critical to continue to invest in a big New Year’s Eve,” she told Nick McCallum on 3AW Drive.

Click PLAY to hear Nick McCallum’s wide-ranging chat with Sally Capp  

“Last year’s New Year’s Eve generated almost $20 million and an extra 1,000 jobs for local businesses in the city – many of them still struggling and making up for lost revenues during the pandemic years.”

She also spoke about the amount of Christmas decorations in the city, plus responded to suggestions of a recent mass exodus in workers from the City of Melbourne council.