Fireworks spectacular for Cairns
FIREWORKS effects never seen in the Far North will light the skies above Cairns, Port Douglas and Palm Cove in a synchronised musical "tropical firestorm" show on New Year's Eve.
The main displays in the three spots will be held at 9pm this year, with more than a month of planning needed just to synchronise effects to the soundtrack, to be broadcast on Sea FM.
"We’ve basically had to spend hours working out certain cue points on the music and synchronise not just the timing, but also the effects that match," Xplosive Arts Fireworks’ Mike Newman said.
Among the effects new to this year’s shows is the titanium chrysanthemum, which lasts 12 seconds from launch to fade.
"At the start, there’s quite a slow start to the soundtrack so we have a really lovely new multi-coloured glittering effect which we call falling leaves, which literally looks like falling leaves," Mr Newman said.
"Another favourite is the water mines, which we literally explode into the water.
"They take about six seconds to float back up and then they explode on the water."
The synchronised show can be viewed at Cairns Esplanade, Anzac Park Port Douglas and the Palm Cove Jetty at 9pm, with midnight shows also held in Cairns and Port Douglas.
Mr Newman said the best viewing point for the Cairns show was near the Lagoon, with more than 7000 effects to feature.
The plans have prompted vets to warn dog owners to lock up their pets, with frightened canines known to jump fences and even tear their way through wooden doors in an effort to flee fireworks noise.
Northside Vet Surgery’s Sheila Gadaloff said dogs fleeing fireworks noise on hot nights would often run to the point of dehydration, "which can cause real problems".
"The most important thing is, if people are going out to celebrate New Year’s Eve, make sure they have got their dog shut in the laundry or garage or somewhere safe," Dr Gadaloff said.
Meanwhile, weather bureau forecaster Chris Joseph has warned rain could put a dampener on the celebrations.
"The computer models are showing us there may be a few showers around at the time," he said.
Energy Minister Stephen Robertson has warned people setting off illegal fireworks face penalties including fines up to $40,000 or six months’ jail.
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