The traffic committee has endorsed the traffic management plans for Party in the Park, which show a return to the Adventure Playground.

It symbolises a hope to return to normal celebrations, after the 2020 event was cancelled and the 2019 celebrations were held in Machattie Park due to the hot weather and threat of bushfires.

Director of Corporate Services and Finance, Aaron Jones, said council was planning for the best-case scenario, but would amend the plans to suit COVID health orders if necessary.

"When that [traffic committee] report went up, we were working on returning back to normal. Obviously, we'll continue to monitor that. If we can go ahead as normal, happy days, otherwise we'll scale it back to what we can do in accordance with the restrictions at that time," he said.

"... What we're doing with a number of events for the remainder of the year is we're planning basically on 2019 levels, so pre-COVID, and then adjusting based on whatever COVID restrictions are applicable at that time."

The plans for New Year's Eve includes the fireworks display, which council plans to spend around $10,000 on.

Other attractions, such as live music, rides and food stalls, would also be part of the Party in the Park event.

Councillor Alex Christian, a big supporter of Party in the Park, certainly hopes the event can be held in December.

He expects there to be a normal array of activities, but that patrons will likely have to wear masks.

"I see it going ahead as usual, except unfortunately people will be required to wear masks if things don't change between now and then," Cr Christian said.

"[We will do] the whole nine yards. I can't see any reason why we shouldn't; I think if we stick with the face masks, then it should be business as usual, just like the winter festival."

He said it would be a good reward for Bathurst residents who, on top of missing out in recent years, have toughed it out during the pandemic.

"It is important, particularly for children and families, to be able to go out and just take their minds off the horrible situation that we find ourselves in," he said.

"I think it's really important for the psychological wellbeing of our community that we get out there and do these things."

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