Media release
Inner West Mayor Darcy Byrne
Following the decision by North Sydney council to introduce of $50 New Year's Eve tickets, Inner West Council has confirmed that access to all vantage points in the Inner West will continue to be free of charge this New Year's Eve.
Council believes that everybody in Sydney should be able to enjoy unrestricted access to harbourside vantage points for the fireworks on New Year's Eve, regardless of their income.
This commitment is a dividend of strong financial management which has seen a budget in surplus and no rate rises for Inner West ratepayers for the next four years.
This ongoing strong financial management has allowed the Inner West to completely rebuild Ashfield Aquatic Centre, save the historic Dawn Fraser Baths and commence work on a $55 million upgrade of Leichhardt Park Aquatic Centre.
Inner West Mayor, Darcy Byrne said, "Last night's decision by North Sydney Council to slap a $50 ticket price on access to Blues Point for NYE is a step in the wrong direction.
"Sydney Harbour belongs to all of us and access should always be free.
"The Inner West will keep access to our harbourside parks to watch to fireworks free and open to all.
"While North Sydney Council has been nearly bankrupted by its renovation of North Sydney Pool, we've managed to rebuild Ashfield Pool, renovate Dawn Fraser Baths and start work on a massive upgrade to Leichhardt Pool."
