Australia's selfless frontline workers and firefighters will be given front-row seats to watch Sydney's iconic New Year's Eve fireworks display
Front row seats to Sydney's iconic New Year's Eve firework display will be reserved for frontline workers in gratitude of their service during a challenging year.
The NSW government has announced key changes for the 2020 end of year celebration in light of COVID-19, including locking down the CBD and restricting viewing areas.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the best vantage spots of the harbour will be exclusively allocated to frontline workers as a reward for their efforts during the pandemic and the bushfires.
'2020 has been a tough year for everyone,' Ms Berejiklian said, the Daily Telegraph reports.
The best vantage spots to Sydney's NYE fireworks will this year be reserved for frontline workers
'New Year’s Eve celebrations will be a symbol of hope and optimism for next year.
'It is also an opportunity to thank people across NSW who have stepped up during this difficult time. Key areas of the harbour will be reserved for frontline workers only.'
Access to the CBD will be restricted to hospitality workers and those with pre-booked tickets to attend venues or events to ensure festivities are COVID safe.
Hospitality workers and ticket holders will then be required to apply for a permit to enter the CBD, under the government's current plan.
Anyone without a permit confirming their booking at a restaurant or bar will be turned away under special health orders.
There will be also be less viewing spots this year, with areas either reserved or fenced off.
The Sydney Opera House, Mrs Macquarie's Chair and Campbells Cove are tipped to be the locations the government will dedicate for frontline workers, with a ballot process is reportedly being considered to award seats.
More details regarding the plan will be released in coming weeks.
NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the gesture was a thank you to frontline workers for their service
Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres warned people will not be allowed to enter the city without a permit and most of the usual viewing points would be inaccessible to the public.
In September, the City of Sydney Council announced they had agreed to a NSW Government proposal that they take temporary custodianship of Sydney’s New Year’s Eve celebrations.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she believed the State Government would be best placed to manage the increased health, transport and crowd management challenges during the pandemic.
'Tourism Minister Stuart Ayres has assured me that the State Government will take full responsibility for preparations and funding of the fireworks, crowd management, safety, traffic and transport, and is prepared to cancel the event if there is a spike in Covid cases,' the Lord Mayor said.
The Lord Mayor encouraged people to watch this year’s display in the comfort of their home or at a Covid-safe venue.
The dedicated spots for frontline workers who served the state during the pandemic and bushfires will likely be at the Sydney Opera House, Mrs Macquarie's Chair and Campbells Cove