Kiama Council is asking the public whether they will dip into their pockets to help pay for the New Year's Eve fireworks display which could be cancelled if sufficient funding is not secured quickly.

Residents are being asked to fill in an online survey or to have their say at a couple of community pop-up events this week.

Council is putting three questions to locals in the survey.

• How important is Kiama’s New Year’s Eve Sky Show to you and the community?

Very important, I’d be disappointed if it didn’t go ahead

Somewhat important, I enjoy it, but it’s not essential

Not important, I don’t usually attend

• If a small, voluntary ‘honour system’ ticket could help the event continue, how likely would you be to contribute?

Very likely

Somewhat likely

Not likely

• If you were to contribute, what amount feels reasonable for a voluntary ticket?

$2–$5

$6–$10

$11–$20

I would not contribute

Despite strong support from the Kiama Business Network and a Council Sponsorship EOI, funding remains below the level needed to stage the event.

Council’s Tourism & Economic Advisory Committee is keen to hear from the community as it explores options to support it.

Despite conceding that the Sky Show creates a wonderful social and community experience, there is doubt over whether its economic impact is substantial with Council citing figures that:

• NYE dining and entertainment spending was only 7% higher than the Saturday before Christmas
• It was lower than both the Changing Tides Festival and a regular Saturday in early January.

The fireworks display costs Kiama Council around $90,000 to deliver but many local businesses are desperate to see the event remain on the calendar because of the extra revenue it brings in.

Time is running out for Council to make a call on whether the fireworks will go ahead and after a series of talks with Destination Kiama, a final decision is expected to be made at the next monthly Council meeting on 19 August.

Kiama is not the only local government Council struggling to meet the costs of staging fireworks on New Year’s Eve.

North Sydney Council voted last week to bring in “ticketed access” for revellers who want to sit at Blues Point this year to watch Sydney’s fireworks.

That means they will be charged $50 for the privilege of sitting at the popular vantage point to watch the fireworks that light up Sydney Harbour Bridge and the city’s skyline.