City of Cockburn report recommends City not host Australia Day fireworks

AUSTRALIA Day fireworks over the Indian Ocean could be dead in the water.

City of Cockburn was forced to consider hosting the annual event after neighbouring council Fremantle voted to abandon its show in 2017.

Fremantle cited a number of financial, environmental and cultural factors for the decision, including the need to become more culturally sensitive to Indigenous people.

In a report to be considered by Cockburn councillors on Thursday, a City officer recommended the City not spend $205,000 to host the fireworks.

Costs could be higher if public transport was included.

The officer said it would be “imprudent to develop a fireworks event in Cockburn for 2017” due to costs, environmental impacts, minimal economical benefits, a lack of support from the City’s Aboriginal Reference Group and because the City already hosts a morning barbecue event.

Councillors will vote on Thursday night.