According to the Daily Mail Australia, the church with a striking view of the Sydney Harbour Bridge has been forced to cancel its event over terrorist attack concerns.
The mowing down of pedestrians in Melbourne's Bourke Street Mall in January, which killed six people and injured 30 others, has changed the way people can enjoy the traditional Sydney Harbour fireworks. Also in December, a car again ploughed into pedestrians in downtown Melbourne, injuring 20 people.
According to the senior minister of the church, in previous years the church has worked with council and the police to block off the street with barriers. However, new rules and tightened security measures have made this more difficult.
The minister of St Aidan's Rector Craig Potter told the North Shore Times, "This year, because of what has happened in Melbourne with the two vehicles that have gone through crowds, it has changed the rules with street parties,"
The church has a budget of $3000 to stage the event but the additional security measures, including the hire of a traffic management company and security staff, would see the expense exceed $10,000.
Despite the disappointment, Potter said he understood the police concerns and was happy to be bound by them.
While residents are making alternative plans this year, the church is already planning to resurrect the event for 2018.
According to their website, "due to changes in Security Regulations, St Aidan's NYE community festival is cancelled for 2017. We hope to be back in 2018."