Three separate quotes were sourced from drone providers. Quotes were for the delivery of 8-12 minute shows (approximately the same length as current fireworks displays). These ranged in cost from $67,000 - $240,000 per show. While the current fireworks contract is subject to commercial in confidence, the report notes there is a significant cost difference.

A separate alternative to fireworks and drones as a form of entertainment on New Year’s Eve was also investigated and included staging an event similar to the Christmas tree light up, which is held every December to celebrate lighting the Christmas tree at the Rosalind Park piazza. This would include live entertainment, roving characters, interactive circus games and would require technical support including sound and lighting, security and traffic management, and involve staging two very similar events a few weeks apart. The total cost for staging a six-hour event was on par with staging one drone show.

The City’s current contractor for fireworks uses the Ekostar fireworks products, which are considered low emission, eco-friendly pyrotechnics with minimal, if any, plastics and makes use of recycled paper and cardboard across its range, and is committed to trialling and implementing alternative components like cornstarch, wheat and rice straw, and other plant-based products instead of the usual chemicals. After each display, there is also a thorough site clean-up conducted.

Advice from the City’s Animal Services team confirmed the number of stray animals as a result of fireworks have decreased over recent years, from

• 9 in 2020
• 1 in 2021
• 2 in 2022
• 2 in 2023 and
• nil in 2024

There are several measures already in place to ensure animal safety and wellbeing and address risk, including:   

• Event risk management plans that address issues of support, care and animal welfare 

• Locating animals in shade with adequate water supply  

• Ensuring soft surfaces (straw/hay) to minimize impacts on animals from hard surfaces 

• Fencing that ensures animals are housed separately and not all together  

• Only allowing contact with animals through fencing and not walking through pens, allowing animals space to rest away from petting 

• Adequate supervision and staffing with animals at all times

The City has no record of any customer complaints regarding animals as part of events. We have also not received any concerns about the conduct of any of the animal business used as part of City led or partner events.  Animal welfare is always a foremost priority for the businesses.

Animal welfare matters are currently regulated by the RSPCA Vic and its Inspectorate under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986. The RSPCA receives significant government funding to undertake this work and operate under a MoU with DEECA.