$97K light show sparks outrage among residents over spending priorities

As the city of Sydney prepares to roll out the red carpet for King Charles and Queen Camilla's arrival, a lavish welcome gesture has ignited a fiery debate among Australians.

The royal couple, set to embark on a nine-day tour down under, will be greeted with a grand spectacle that has left some citizens questioning the use of public funds.


In a display of pomp and pageantry, the iconic sails of the Sydney Opera House will be illuminated with a curated photo montage for four minutes from 8 pm, showcasing images from previous royal visits.

This grand gesture, intended to celebrate King Charles's first visit to New South Wales as Sovereign, costs $97,030.


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A celebratory welcome is to be received by King Charles and Queen Camilla, with the Sydney Opera House sails illuminated by images of previous royal visits. Credit: Shutterstock


Premier Chris Minns has expressed that the light show is a 'fitting tribute' to welcome Their Majesties and to commemorate this historic moment.

The public is invited to witness the projection and even catch a glimpse of the King and Queen as they engage with the crowd on the Sydney Opera House Forecourt.

The royal visit will also feature a Fleet Review on Sydney Harbour, complete with an Australian Defence Force flypast and an on-water review of His Majesty’s Australian ships.


These events offer additional opportunities for the public to partake in the celebrations from various vantage points around the city.

However, the decision to spend nearly $100,000 on the light show has sparked outrage among many Australians, who have taken to social media to voice their concerns.

Critics argue that the funds could have been better allocated to address pressing issues such as the housing crisis, overcrowded hospitals, and the rising cost of living.

One Facebook user lamented the waste of taxpayer money on a visit by millionaires, while another questioned the excitement of 'battling Aussies' over such an extravagant expenditure.

Many echoed the sentiment of channelling funds to the needy, highlighting the disconnect between royal fanfare and the everyday struggles of the Australian people.


On the flip side, royal enthusiasts have expressed their excitement and support for the visit, with some planning to bring their families to the festivities.

Monarchists, in particular, look forward to warmly welcoming the King and Queen, showcasing the divide in public opinion.

As we delve into this contentious issue, it's essential to consider the broader implications of such expenditures.

While royal visits can boost tourism and international relations, they also raise questions about government spending priorities, especially in economic hardship for many citizens.
Key Takeaways
  • King Charles and Queen Camilla are set to receive a celebratory welcome with the Sydney Opera House sails to be illuminated with images of previous royal visits.
  • The NSW Government curated the photo montage to commemorate the King's first visit as Sovereign for $97,030.
  • Public members have expressed mixed reactions to the cost, with some criticising the expense during economic hardship.
  • Despite the controversy, some Australians are enthusiastic about the royal visit, planning to welcome the King and Queen in person.
Do you think the $97K light show is an excellent tribute to the royal visit, or is it a waste of money? How else could that money benefit Australians? Let us know in the comments below.
 
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I think our King and Queen deserve our tribute. Start putting money to where it is needed -- STOP wasting money on this Republic NONSENSE. Our system works well as it is. All that is needed is DECENT politicians
I don’t mind the expense for our Head of State. It’s not as if they come on a regular basis. However, Republicanism is certainly not nonsense & the majority of our Politicians are well meaning, trustworthy people.
 
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Then why didn't he marry Camilla instead of Diana ? Oh because Camilla was married with children .
But that didn't stop them from having an affair and continue to have an affair after he was married
Oh Suzanne! Surely you know the reason for that! He begged his mother for almost 20 years for permission to marry Camilla, but was refused on the grounds that Camilla wasn't a virgin. And that was before she married her first husband. They met as teenagers.

Why do people find it necessary to comment in bold type and/or upper case letters. Neither of those things make a comment more valid in my opinion.
 
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Heaven help us then. What sort of father calls his son who was under 9 at the time "a king in training". George should have first learned how to be a little boy. William couldn't run a root in a raffle in a brothel on a free night.
Classy!
 
Do you really believe that? If so, you should get to grips with the facts.

As I enter my 80th year, it appalls me to see the bitterness and judgement being thrown around by women. Rarely men. Two things: why does Charles not deserve to be happy? Had the queen not forbidden their marriage in the first place, Diana would have married some aristocratic socialite and we'd never have heard of her.

Secondly, is your friend and family circle so lily-white that you know nobody who's been divorced or had a bit of a dalliance on the side? If so, you're one in a million! And I'm sitting next to my husband of 56 years, so I have no personal experience of divorce, but I know many who have, and I don't judge them.
Well said from one of our gentle octogenarians. I love your perspective on life. Thank you
 
When are we, as a Nation ever going to grow up, and start looking after ourselves first!!!

While the Nation is under a growing economic pressure, cost of living continually going up, interest rates at a level high for over twenty years, electricity and gas at unaffordable levels, the Nation go and spend $97 thousand on a four minute light show for the King and Queen.

And, I’m certain that won’t be the last of the exorbitant outlay.
Day one, done and dusted for $97’s K.
What will day two to day nine, will cost our nation?
 
I do think that we are missing the point in all the pro & cons of royalty - I think the big issue is the 4 minute display costing $97k - who was paid this money and how does the Minns govt/opera house justify this price being amassed for such a short event?
 
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Thank you. Forty two years nursing and now serious health problems tend to bring perspective to one. Your comment brought tears to my eyes. Bless you.
I could tell you were a caring person -thank you for your 42 years of service to your fellow Aussies. I trust that there is someone to support you now in your time of need. Get well dear Lady.
 
I guess you have a crush on Charles otherwise you would recognise what he and Camilla did.

He gets paid for being King and remember he isn't God
Suzanne, as a very frequent contributor to Seniors Discount Club, I've always respected your views and obvious dedication to the Club. However, you've totally lost my respect with that comment.

That comment is one I'd expect to hear from a Year 8 mean girl, not a presumably mature, intelligent woman. But congratulations on being the first 'adult' to make a childish comment like that to me since I left high school in 1962.
 
I could tell you were a caring person -thank you for your 42 years of service to your fellow Aussies. I trust that there is someone to support you now in your time of need. Get well dear Lady.
I have my husband of 56 years sitting beside me. He's a dedicated carer for me, and we're working together to get me well again.
 
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