Sydney New Year's Eve fines warning

Police will issue fines on New Year's Eve in Sydney if anybody breaks the rules.

More than a million people usually pack into locations around the harbour for the world-famous fireworks.

While those spots were planned to be reserved for frontline workers from the bushfires and the pandemic, that plan has now been scrapped because of virus fears and nobody will be allowed to gather around the foreshore.

READ MORE: Sydney NYE rules explained

The city is being split into two zones, and police will be patrolling.

Police Minister, David Elliot, told Today they don't want to have to fine people, but will if it's needed.

"We will make sure that there are appropriate levels of police resources out," he said.

"We will make sure the message is spread around the city to ensure that public safety is always forefront and we will make sure people that breach the laws are certainly fined for that," he said.

"The message is... you might want to spend New Years Eve at home this year."

People with tickets to bars and restaurants in Sydney are still allowed to go and enjoy the display, but need a pass from Service NSW.

People living in the area can also have up to ten people at their home for parties, but also will need a pass for them to enter.

There will be two zones, the green zone close to the harbour for which passes are needed, and the yellow outer zone, which people can enter, but should not gather.

Meanwhile, the man behind the display admitted it's "disappointing" most will only see it on TV.

Fortunato Fonti, from Fonti Fireworks, told Today: "It's probably a little bit disappointing but we are glad that we are still able to put on a show for the people of Australia."

He said while the display will only last for seven minutes, it will be more "intense" than usual.