The Gold Coast has cancelled its New Year's Eve fireworks, with the city's mayor saying he cannot guarantee tourists and locals would stay socially distanced.
"With an abundance of caution, the main New Year's Eve fireworks will be cancelled," mayor Tom Tate said.
Cavill Avenue, in the centre of Surfers Paradise, along with several kilometres of beaches near Broadbeach are traditionally packed with revellers to welcome in the new year.
"I looked at every way, health-wise, to make it safe and no matter which way we went, 90,000 people, you just can't control," he said.
"It's not like a stadium where it's a controlled environment."
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"We will welcome hundreds of thousands of holiday makers from across Australia," Cr Tate said.
"We do not want to jeopardise 2021 in any way."
The City of Gold Coast will redirect the money to next June's SeaFire event.
"There will be a time to celebrate, hopefully in the not-too-distant future, and we will be sure to put on a fireworks display which will also bring visitors from far and wide," Cr Tate said.
"Hopefully the COVID scenario has softened more."
Thousands of revellers are still expected celebrate in the tourist heart, but the mayor said he could not encourage crowds with an official event just yet.
"The message will be … that 1.5-metre rule is essential," he said.
"You don't want to go there and then put at risk, when you get home, your mum, your dad, your grandparents.
"[Social distancing is] our main frontline remedy against COVID-19."
