Lord Mayor Nick Reece defends cost of New Year’s Eve fireworks during cost-of-living crisis

Lord mayor of Melbourne Nick Reece has defended the council’s decision to continue the annual New Year’s Eve tradition of a fireworks display despite backlash from people concerned with the cost-of-living crisis.

He told 3AW Mornings, the fireworks will cost $5 million and are expected to generate over $20 million of economic activity.

“It’s Melbourne’s biggest night of the year and so there’s a bit of an investment there but it pays off in multiples in economic terms for the city,” he said.

Press PLAY to hear what’s on in the Melbourne CBD for the New Year’s Eve celebrations

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