Warners Bay New Year’s Eve celebrations could be scrapped unless more money comes through to host the $30,000 event.

The Warners Bay Chamber of Commerce will either have to cut fireworks displays and entertain-ment or can the project completely, said president Greg Hopper.

He said it was often a misconception that Lake Macquarie City Council hosted the event but that wasn’t the case as the shortfall of funds was often made up by the chamber every year.

Mr Hopper said a survey commissioned by council pinpointed the strengths and weaknesses of each of the lake’s seven major town centres, determining where money should be spent.

“Events were seen as one of Warners Bay’s strengths and communication was seen as one of our weaknesses,” he said.

“Funds are being pulled away from the things we do best, such as New Year’s Eve and put into other things.

“We no longer have the budget for fireworks or bands – all of the costs have to be allocated towards other services, such as cleaning the toilets and road barricades.”

He said often through corporate sponsorship and donations the chamber can turn a budget from $10,000 into $30,000 – but the funds allocated by council this year were not enough.

In a report presented at the budget committee meeting last month, council recommended $5000 be allocated to the event, despite the chamber requesting $17,600.

Just over $7000 was allocated for last year’s event.

Lake Macquarie Mayor and budget committee chair Greg Piper said the event was not a regional event and was only eligible for the lesser amount.

“Warners Bay is one of 92 villages across Lake Macquarie,” he said.

“The reality is we have had to reduce our budget, plus we are getting many more requests – cuts were also taken by other events, such as carols.

Cr Piper said Warners Bay had a limited capacity to hold large events.

“A venue like Speers Point Park would be a much more suitable spot to host a regional event,” he said.

Deputy mayor and councillor Kay Fraser, who acts as an alternate member on the budget committee, said she was surprised at council’s allocation of funds.

Councillor Fraser said she would raise the matter at council this week.