City of Cockburn rejects request for funds from Freo businesses to help pay for alternate Australia Day fireworks

THE City of Cockburn has rejected a request to help fund fireworks in Fremantle on Australia Day.

The City has contributed $20,000 to the City of Fremantle’s annual fireworks display over the Indian Ocean for years.

However, that will not be the case in 2017 after the port city council scrapped its traditional celebrations in favour of a more “culturally sensitive” event two days later.

Not-for-profit Fremantle Business Improvement District (BID) and the Fishing Boat Harbour Traders Group are planning to host fireworks in Fremantle on Australia Day, with Fremantle BID asking the City of Cockburn if it would like to offer up funding to help with the display.

At a meeting on Thursday, Cockburn councillors rejected the request on the grounds there was insufficient time to consider the local community’s view on the matter and sponsorship benefits for the City.

The money will now be put back into the City of Cockburn’s grants and donations budget.

Fremantle BID project manager Jenny Marslen said the aim was simply to put together a “family friendly day on a public holiday”.

“We’re looking at doing activations right throughout Fremantle for everyone that loves the area,” she said.

“If anyone would like to support the event, there is room for sponsorships or in-kind donations.”