Lord mayor of Melbourne Nick Reece has defended the council's decision to continue the annual New Year's Eve tradition of a fireworks display despite backlash from people concerned with the cost-of-living crisis.

<p>Lord mayor of Melbourne Nick Reece has defended the council's decision to continue the annual New Year's Eve tradition of a fireworks display despite backlash from people concerned with the cost-of-living crisis.</p>

Listen to the best bits of 3AW Mornings & exclusive interviews here - and don't forget to tune in live between 8.30am and midday. [http://www.3aw.com.au/](http://www.3aw.com.au/)

<p>Listen to the best bits of 3AW Mornings &amp; exclusive interviews here - and don't forget to tune in live between 8.30am and midday. [http://www.3aw.com.au/](http://www.3aw.com.au/)</p>

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