Debate continues on Australia Day fireworks at Lake Wendouree

People are suffering from the recent bushfire devastation.

Locally, we've been very lucky, but let's not tempt fate.

Secondly, what about all the pets? My young dog went to pieces.

David Baker, Wendouree.

Have we just gone too politically correct these days? Cancelling fireworks for bushfire respect - come on!

Australia day is a celebration for all.

People need hope and happiness, let's just celebrate and enjoy family life.

Why are we so bogged down these days with not offending or doing things which are not acceptable to some?

Sometimes I feel we should bring back the 1980s.

Peter Spark, Ballarat.

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Ballarat City Council - like many local governments - needs to concentrate on roads, rubbish and rates. So annoying to see Ballarat City Council riding the woke wagon. Local government has no place in these divisive politics.

Craig Gloury, Creswick.

The fireworks should not go ahead, ever. The animal cruelty factor alone, is by far abhorrent.

Household pets are terrified as would be all the wildlife at Lake Wendouree.

How could such barbaric cruelty be even considered with so much trauma already inflicted on wildlife and mankind?

I'm astounded and angry the fireworks went ahead as my rescued dog was scared to death by the noise, let alone the wildlife in and around the lake.

Shame on you, Ballarat Council.

Mary Moore, Canadian.

I'm writing about the petition to cancel fireworks. I think it should go ahead as long as we don't have a Total Fire Ban, and the money raised goes towards Gippsland.

Caitlyn Parker, Mount Pleasant.

When Australia Day was established, our nation was immature.

Now our nation is ready to move on, but our political system still carries old baggage.

We need far sighted councillors and politicians who reflect our maturing nation.

Would you have fireworks on Anzac Day? Of course not.

Acknowledging the past and moving on is essential and the appropriate coming together of the whole nation must occur on a day suitable for all, not just some.

We need leadership which will work towards a sustainable economy and environment. It is no longer appropriate to have endless growth at the expense of the environment.

The best we should aim for is to protect the environment, as one of the oldest cultures on the planet have done so for thousands of years.

The old growth forests are a wonderful legacy handed down to us, but growth at any expense constantly threatens their existence.

The clock is ticking for leaders who cannot recognise and act on the most important issues.

Cancelling the fireworks is just the beginning of the public wanting accountable decisions.

Judith Bailey, Clarendon.

The Premier of Victoria cancelled fireworks in Melbourne - why has Ballarat failed to follow lead?

I am opposed firstly because the pain and suffering of Australia's First People needs to be resolved and celebrating 'invasion day' is not the way forward.

Secondly it's an awful waste of money and finally, it's insensitive to the ongoing bushfire crisis Australia is in.

I sincerely hope that the Council is not funding this event.

Rachel Jones, Ballarat.

The last thing I want my rates spent on is the Australia Day fireworks.

I understand some people want to celebrate the day in the traditional way, watching the fireworks, but times are changing and the majority of residents I've spoken to would rather the council took a more thoughtful approach and use our money to support locals suffering due to the fires.

Robert Loveband. Mount Clear.

Thank you Belinda for speaking out about what many of us are also passionate about - no more fireworks.

Our country is tinder dry and we cannot waste the time of the CFA having to attend fireworks in case it is needed elsewhere.

In 2019 a pontoon on the lake caught alight wasted the CFA and SES, volunteer and staff's time.

The ratepayers' funds could have been donated to those affected by the bushfires or the homeless.

Also, it's a lot of money to spend for 15 minutes.

Hundreds of animals escape their homes in terror every year and many end up killed by traffic or destroyed in shelters after these events.

Please, no more fireworks.

Sue Walker, Brown Hill.

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