Maitland has cancelled its annual New Year's Eve fireworks display and river side celebrations for the third time in a row.
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On Tuesday night, councillors endorsed the Officers Report recommendation to not proceed with any New Year's Eve event in Maitland, but to create a Make it Maitland summer program.
Independent councillor Peter Garnham said the cancellation was "responsible" given the coronavirus pandemic.
"It's fairly responsible action this with the current program ... at this stage, this is the best action. I love the idea of the Maitland summer program," he said.
Severe weather and bush fires had forced the cancellation of the event in 2018 and 2019 - respectively.
The popular New Year's Eve celebrations typically attract crowds over 10,000 people to the city.
The program would include a range of small to medium activations that would be spread across the city for the community to enjoy in summer.
In addition, a new event will be held in 2021, which may include fireworks.
According to report delivered to council, the recommendation was developed after consultation with a range of stakeholders, including NSW Health and the Police.
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