Queens Park event to pay tribute

THIS year’s New Year’s Eve celebrations in Queens Park will include a tribute to the region’s hardworking emergency services alongside the event’s first laser show.

Toowoomba Regional Council environment and community committee chair Geoff McDonald said feedback had been resoundingly positive after the council announced the move from fireworks to a laser show, something mirrored in other parts of the state.

“The decision was made for us by the complete fire ban and the fires that have happened in the area and around the nation,” Mr McDonald said.

“A lot of these fireworks are planned one to two years in advance and there are jobs that rely on them.

“These were things we needed consider, but it wasn’t a difficult one for us in order to pay tribute to our emergency services.”

Mr McDonald said the emergency services would be directly involved in this year’s celebrations at the park, with vehicle numbers depending on workload.

“We wanted to do something this year to honour the efforts of our emergency services,” he said.

“At about 7.45pm we will start the countdown and, as the laser show begins, we will hear the sirens and see the lights from the emergency service vehicles in attendance.

“It won’t run for the full time of the laser show, and everyone will be encouraged to donate to the services.”

He said the celebrations were an ideal opportunity for residents to unwind and reflect on the past year.

“We will also be staging a rain dance to see if we can crack the drought which would be the perfect way to kick off 2020,” he said.

“The food and rides will be open from 4.30pm and the family fun activities will be commencing at 5pm.”

For more information on council’s New Year’s Eve event visit www.tr.qld.gov.au.