Sunshine Coast Council has endorsed a budget of almost $1.2 million for its 2025 festive celebrations, but whether midnight fireworks at Mooloolaba on New Year’s Eve will return is still up in the air.
The festive season program includes community-led Christmas events across the region and New Year’s Eve celebrations at Coolum, Caloundra and Mooloolaba.
The $1,195,563 program – up $182,431 on last year – represents a spend of $3.26 per Sunshine Coast resident.
The funding ensures Mooloolaba’s 8.30pm fireworks on New Year’s Eve will go ahead, while a sponsor will be sought in a bid to extend the event to include a midnight spectacle.
The decision to scrap the midnight celebration last year drew stinging criticism.
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The council estimates an additional $133,045 would be required for the midnight fireworks and it would investigate attracting external revenue, such as sponsorship, to fund it. This funding would need to be confirmed by June 30 for the midnight fireworks to go ahead this year.
“The Mooloolaba New Year’s Eve event will continue as a regional attraction for locals and visitors,” Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said.
“While some changes are anticipated due to the Mooloolaba foreshore redevelopment, we will work with relevant stakeholders, including emergency services, to minimise any issues.”
The budget also delivers 26 festive trees and 464 banner pole decorations and banners to spread cheer across the region.
Cr Natoli said the festive season program was aimed at helping foster a month-long celebration that would bring our community together.
“These events build connection and pride and allow our communities, our residents and our visitors to join in a tradition, one that is filled with joy and hope,” she said.
“There is a greater investment in festive season ‘infrastructure’, such as the lighting, trees and banner pole artworks, and this will again be installed – and enjoyed – right across the region. There is increased funding for much-loved, community-led events like carols by candlelight.
“Our festive season program has been developed through consultation with councillors, multiple surveys to gauge our community’s views, benchmarking against other councils, event data and feedback from business and tourism groups.”
Cr Natoli last December told Sunshine Coast News she would push for the return of midnight fireworks after an outcry when the 2024 show was scrapped.
“I am disappointed the midnight fireworks are not going ahead,” she said at the time.
“This decision was made in January (2024) by the former council, for reasons like safety to patrons, cost, environmental concerns and considering the Mooloolaba foreshore was due to be under construction.”
