Council considers fireworks funding

Gosford Council is considering a request for a $5000 donation towards this year's New Year's Eve's Peninsula Fireworks.

The request, by event coordinator Ledingham Events, was made on behalf of the Rotary Club of Umina Beach which is holding the event.

Council donated the same amount last year.

Rotary applied for funding for the event earlier this year under Council's Community Development Grants, but was unsuccessful.

Council had deemed the project a low priority under that particular scheme as the proceeds of the fireworks went to local sports and scout groups.

The event has already attracted a $5000 donation from East's Ocean Beach Holiday Park of Umina.

Mayor Cr Chris Holstein said no current allocation was available for the type of donation asked for.

He recommended councillors agree to donate the money.

He said Rotary should be encouraged to keep some of the funds raised from the event to enable it to be self-sustaining, to seek more funding from local businesses that benefit from tourist trade over New Year.

Council will also ask for suitable publicity to be given to their contribution.

Carl Spears, October 19