Shell Cove has been chosen for a drone light show on New Year’s Eve. Photo: Envato @wirestock.
Shellharbour residents could ring in 2027 “if not with a bang, then certainly with a flash” through a major drone light show over Shell Cove — but only if a minimum $200,000 in external funding can be secured.
At a recent Shellharbour City Council meeting, councillors unanimously backed a proposal to investigate the feasibility of hosting a massive pet-friendly, environmentally conscious New Year’s Eve event on 31 December this year at Shell Cove, centred on a 9 pm drone show instead of traditional fireworks.
It follows a report that detailed a range of potential event formats, show sizes and locations, as well as crowd capacity, traffic and parking arrangements, and sustainable waste practices.
In moving the motion, councillor Kellie Marsh chose to endorse option one, which highlighted Shell Cove Harbour as the location for a 500-plus drone show over Shellharbour South Beach with an estimated budget of $310,000.
However, to proceed with the event, the option also stipulated council secure external funding at a minimum of $200,000 through grants or sponsorships.
“We’re so blessed to live in a beautiful city, and I think our city needs to be showcased,” Cr Marsh said.
“We deserve the economic benefits this will bring, along with the cohesion with us all coming together as well.
“We haven’t held a major event at the marina. We need to showcase our beautiful marina and South Beach and I think New Year’s Eve is the perfect opportunity to do so.”
Seconder Cr John Davey painted a picture of a family‑friendly, carnival‑style event with pre-show entertainment where “we can well and truly celebrate our incredible marina and surroundings. And if not with a bang, then certainly with a flash”.
“Local dining and tourism businesses will be able to leverage the event and consideration will be given to other food and drink providers and entertainers by offering temporary presence,” he said.
“So we have the ability to do something truly spectacular down there.”
He said while Reddall Reserve was identified as a credible alternative, he didn’t support that option.
“It can’t compete with the buzz of a restaurant promenade and hotel backdrop, boats in the foreground and viewing angles from the marina precinct,” he said.
While acknowledging risks such as unknown crowd numbers, weather, and the need for a “very robust traffic management plan to prevent gridlock”, he was confident council officers could mitigate those issues.
Cr Lou Stefanovski said while he would support the motion, he believed Reddall Reserve would be a better location.
“I’m saying that because of the numbers we’re expecting at Shell Cove to what we can manage and what we can perhaps fit, as we saw on Australia Day,” he said, referencing the Australia Day Breakfast By The Lake at Reddall Reserve.
Cr Moira Hamilton echoed his concerns as to whether Shell Cove could handle 20,000 people.
“I do think Reddall Reserve is the place only because of the numbers,” Cr Hamilton said.
“Can Shell Cove cope with this number? I will go with this recommendation, and I will go with option one, but I have got concerns about that.”
Mayor Chris Homer described the motion as “progressive”, highlighting growing community concern over the impact of fireworks on pets and the opportunity for branding through the drones for sponsors.
“Drone light shows are low‑noise, low‑impact and are considered more suitable for pets and wildlife while still offering a spectacular visual experience,” Cr Homer said.
He acknowledged that Reddall Reserve was “a good option” as noted in the recommendations, but said the debate for the night was about whether Shell Cove was the best option.
Cr Rob Petreski admitted he was initially shocked by the figure of $310,000.
“I think it equates to nearly $26,000 a minute, if it goes for a 12-minute show,” Cr Petreski said.
“So I was concerned, absolutely.”
However, he said he was reassured by the financial strategy laid out in the report, which seeks about 65 per cent of costs from external funding.
“If we can achieve external funding, whether it’s government grant funding … and/or private sponsorship to the tune of about $200k, then that reduces our financial burden to about $110k,” he said.
“So at $110k it would be a great event. At $310k, I’m not so sure.”
Cr Mitch Ellis said he supported Shell Cove because it allowed viewing from multiple locations around the harbour and nearby beaches, and would prevent the issue of vacating people from the boats moored at the marina.
