A bigger and better Wagga Skyworks is ready to captivate Wagga residents on New Year’s Eve at Lake Albert despite ongoing environmental issues at the site.
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It was only last week that Wagga City Council issued a health warning and closed the lake after testing revealed high levels enterococci, a bacteria caused by faecal matter, in the water.
The issue has compounded the ongoing blue-green algae situation at the lake.
However, event committee member Jamie Way said the issues would not affect “the scale of the fireworks”.
“We know our pyrotechnician has plans in place for the fireworks taking into consideration the condition and level of the lake,” he said.
“It won’t affect the quality of the show, it’s just the mechanics of the show that we have to consider.
“There is no aquatic-based entertainment and we certainly don’t expect people to be swimming during the event.”
Mr Way encouraged residents to attend and adhere to advice by the council.
“Come along and take advice from the relevant authorities” he said.
Changes this year include better traffic management and more restroom facilities in addition to live entertainment and food.
Traffic plans include restricting Eastlake Drive to one-way traffic. The changes were based on feedback from last year’s attendees.
“There will be a wide range of food vendors, an amusement park and, of course, the main fireworks spectacular at 9.30pm,” event manager Melissa Pike said.
“There will also be a DJ playing afterwards until the second short traditional fireworks display at midnight, so attendees have the choice to stay on and party.”
The Jaguar Land Rover–sponsored event is expected to attract up to 20,000 people from across the Riverina.
The event will once again support charity Country Hope, which provides family-centred support programs to children diagnosed with cancer and other chronic life-threatening illnesses.
Tom Looney at the organisation welcomed the support, saying Country Hope was grateful to event organisers and the community.
“We are celebrating our 15th anniversary this year and we are currently supporting more than 150 families throughout the region,” he said.
“We rely on donations and fundraising and we are always amazed at the support from the people of this wonderful city.
“It is also a fantastic opportunity for our families and the entire community to come together for a great celebration.”
Country Hope will call for volunteers to help them before the event.
Anyone interested may contact Mr Looney on 69718955 or visit its GoFundMe campaign.
The Wagga Skyworks will start at 4.30pm and run until midnight.
The 2018 event had the all clear after a $50,000 grant from Wagga City Council and fireworks approval from SafeWork.
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