Wagga's New Year's Eve celebrations are back on after scaled-down party plans scored a green light by the city's councillors.
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It was at Monday night's council meeting where councillors unanimously supported a mayoral minute that proposed to bring the central business district to life with street performers, emerging musicians and balloon giveaways on December 31.
Wagga councillor Paul Funnell said this alternative approach to end-of-year festivities has the potential to have a greater outcome than the council's usual community celebration and fireworks display.
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The council cancelled the city's annual festivities more than a month ago in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which copped a surge of criticism by some residents.
However, following this decision, restrictions eased, allowing the council staff to explore a different approach to activate the CBD this New Year's Eve.
"We will have people moving about the full street .... the businesses are going to benefit, the people are going to benefit and everyone will have a wonderful time," Cr Funnell said.
"It is the simple things in life that's best."
Cr Dan Hayes said the restrictions imposed on communities as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic have been rapidly changing and the council's staff have once again shown their ability to respond quickly and find a new and different approach.
"I hope it is a success. I have changed my plans ... and will instead be going to the CBD and check it out and I hope others do the same too," he said.