THE traditional New Year's Eve fireworks have been shelved for the year with Bathurst Regional Council confirming this year's Party In The Park will be moved to Machattie Park.
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The Western Advocate reported a fortnight ago that council was considering the move for the comfort of the community.
Victoria Park, which has hosted Party In The Park since its debut in 2009, is feeling the effects of the ongoing drought as council has scaled back its watering of local parks and gardens in recent months.
And council has decided it would be inappropriate to have fireworks this year due to the amount of water required to protect the netball courts and the need for Rural Fire Service personnel to be on hand.
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"The traditional New Year's Eve fireworks display won't occur this year because of the current extreme water restrictions," mayor Bobby Bourke said.
"The fireworks require the Rural Fire Service to be in attendance and for a large area adjacent to the Adventure Playground to be watered down.
"This water is better used to continue to keep key green spaces in the city watered for the entire community to enjoy."
Cr Bourke said moving the party to Machattie Park would allow those attending the celebrations to picnic, enjoy food vendors at the event or take advantage of the cafes and food outlets in the CBD.
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"There will be a range of events and activities in the park for the everyone attending," he said.
"We have partnered with the Bathurst Academy of Music for entertainment.
"The Bathurst Academy of Music is a local tuition centre, offering students the opportunity to learn contemporary styles of music with qualified teachers. By partnering with this group, Council opens the door for a wide range of local performers to participate in the NYE celebrations," he said.
"There will be a diverse range of performers and musicians, activities for children and screens will be set up with a live stream of the Sydney fireworks".
Bathurst's New Year's Eve Party in the Park was first held in 2009 to make use of the newly-opened adventure playground.
The 9pm fireworks quickly became the highlight of the annual party and the idea was soon copied by other Central West towns and cities.