The following letters to the editor have been sent in response to this story about City of Ballarat planning to shift what was previously the Australia Day fireworks to the Begonia Festival long weekend.
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Moving fireworks away from the summer fire season should be an absolute no-brainer.
But looking at alternative ways to celebrate anything should also be considered.
One suggestion that I like, and which does not present a fire hazard (as far as I am aware - happy to be corrected) would be to have a laser light display instead.
You can still set it to music, use it all year round, and it can be far more family friendly - no distressed pets, native animals or small children.
If we always do what we've always done, we'll always get what we've always got.
It's time to change what we think and what we do.
- Elanor Mahon
My suggestion is to cease fireworks displays altogether.
They are disruptive to locals because of mass parking required near the venue; pets and wildlife are directly affected by the noise and smell of the gunpowder.
In contrast, the sound and light shows that have already been offered such as White Nights and Sovereign Hill's evening performances are a wonderful spectacle for all ages.
Perhaps consider bringing back the Fairyland walk with 21st century technology to make it magical.
The carnival in the park was also a great family event. Maybe a diorama of our history in a similar vein to the Nativity in the Park would be a great way to educate and promote Ballarat's rich history and visitor potential.
There's limitless ideas that could do so much for our local businesses if we but try (and businesses actually kept open when the event was on).
Trying to get a cuppa at a cafe after 4pm is almost impossible- but that's another story!
- Heather Browning
As far as the annual fireworks that used to be held on January 26th, councillors are trying to figure out another appropriate day for them to be held.
I have to ask, why do we need to have fireworks at all?
Couldn't the money be used in another way, such as lighting up the buildings using laser as in white night or something else to amuse people.
I don't know why council is so set on fireworks.
A huge expense for 15 minutes of visual effects.
Put your brains to work and come up with a new form of entertainment, show some initiative for once instead of being the sheep that must follow everyone else.
- Jan Flowers
Have the Fireworks for the Begonia Festival - the Labour Day long weekend.
Spring, summer, and autumn are better times than any mid-winter event.
- DJ Runner