A unique LED drone light show illuminated the skies of Burnie to ring in the New Year overnight, replacing the city’s traditional fireworks display.
The north-west Burnie City Council, in partnership with the local radio station Sea FM, launched the “environmentally conscious” drone show on New Year’s Eve as the “first of its kind” for the state.
“Unlike traditional fireworks, the Drone NYE Sky Show is designed to be electronic fireworks, eco-friendly, quiet for both humans and pets and free from air pollution,” an event spokesperson said.
“The use of drones ensures a quieter celebration, making it more enjoyable for residents, visitors and their furry companions.”
The drone show, which started at 9:30pm and again at midnight, lit up with a countdown, ’emulated fireworks’ and symbols – including a map of Tasmania.
The display was met with mixed reactions, with some community members taking to social media to share their disappointment in the display.
“After watching I hope it isn’t the future of New Years Eve ‘fireworks’. My 6yr old son was not interested in watching at all [and] my 9yr old daughter screwed her face up at me a couple of times,” a Burnie resident wrote.
On the other hand, some viewers found the display “amazing” and said it was great to see the Burnie foreshore come to life with activity.
An event spokesperson said fireworks were ‘out of the question’ this year due to permit restrictions and that it was a case of ‘drones or nothing’.
It is understood that ‘changes in regulations’ have prohibited fireworks near the Burnie port, triggered by exclusion zones around new TasPorts infrastructure.
