Sandy Zubrinich, Chair of the Sunshine Coast Business Council said the decision to cancel this year’s New Year’s Eve fireworks display at Mooloolaba has not only disappointed generations of families but has also drawn national criticism, with a major TV network shaming the Sunshine Coast Council for cancelling midnight NY fireworks and for its lack of restaurants open after 9 pm.
“This week, Fox’s The Late Debate ridiculed the fireworks cancellation by Sunshine Coast Council and went on to paint an unflattering picture of our region’s ability to support tourism — a very disappointing outcome as we head into our peak tourism season and seek to stimulate economic growth in the region,” Ms Zubrinich said.
“This is a wake-up call for our Council. When a national media outlet is highlighting basic shortcomings, it damages our reputation and our ability to attract visitors. Cancelling one of our most iconic events only compounds the issue and sends the wrong message about our commitment to supporting tourism and local businesses.
“The midnight fireworks at Mooloolaba as well as Caloundra and Coolum Beach have long been a drawcard for those visiting the Sunshine Coast over the festive season and this decision significantly undermines our reputation as one of the country’s premier tourist destinations.
“The SCBC Combined Government and Business Forum hosted last week focussed on how we can invigorate our currently sluggish economy going into the new year. Tourism is an important part of that picture, and the Christmas and New Year period is critical for the local economy. Whether Council’s decision is based on funding, the environment or safety, this decision comes at the cost of national embarrassment and diminishing our tourism appeal – it is a short-sighted decision that could have long-term consequences for our economy.”
Mayor Natoli said she is extremely disappointed by the decision made by the previous council and will review that decision for 2026.
Division 2 Councillor Terry Landsberg said that as the Economic Development portfolio holder for the Council, part of the Regional Economic Development Strategy is to activate the night-time economy.
“The Sunshine Coast is a popular tourist destination with many long-time visitors who look forward to midnight fireworks and our community also enjoys having fireworks as part of their celebrations,” Cr Landsberg said.
“Council conducts regular surveys around the festive season program and I encourage our community to provide feedback through the survey which is now open on Council’s ‘Have Your Say’ page until December 6 – Festive Season Experience | Have Your Say.”
Ms Zubrinich also encouraged local communities and businesses and visitors to make their voices heard by contacting Council if they wish to see the celebrations reinstated next year.
“The festive season is such an important time for all ages in the community to come together to celebrate and for our local businesses to thrive. We urge the Council to reconsider this decision and to reinstate this tradition in 2026 – both as a mechanism to drive economic activity and to support and foster pride within our community.”
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Media contact: Maya Gurry, Fresh PR & Marketing T: 0410 109 102 E: maya@freshprm.com.au
About the Sunshine Coast Business Council
The Sunshine Coast Business Council is the leading regional business advocacy group on the Sunshine Coast representing approximately 4,000 businesses through its membership, which includes key national and regional industry groups and their members as well as national and regional businesses. Its membership base represents a range of sectors including tourism, property, construction, retail, education and training, agribusiness, manufacturing, ICT and professional services. To find out more, please visit www.scbusinesscouncil.com.au.
