The free App allows users to edit and upload a 12-second video which will then be edited into a short film and distributed online within hours through Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. People are also encouraged to share their dreams for 2012 in eight words or less.

The App includes an interactive map of the best vantage points for the 9pm Family Fireworks and Midnight Fireworks Displays, information about events happening around the city, tips on how to plan the night and easy entry to a NYE photo competition.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the City recognised it was important to provide quick and easy ways for people to access information.

“An increasing number of people use smart phones and rely on Apps to find information and interact with each other. As a council we want to make sure we are providing the information that people need in the way they want to receive it,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Our App gives users real time notifications of vantage points, road closures and events. People can also find out about crowd capacities, ensuring a safe and great night out.”

The initiative is part of a Tourism Australia and City of Sydney joint venture called Project :12 to promote Sydney to the world.”

Andrew McEvoy, Managing Director, Tourism Australia said he was always looking for new and different ways to demonstrate why there’s no other country like Australia.

“Project :12 allows us to do just that - in this case, by showcasing New Year’s Eve in Sydney. Using popular social media platforms, the content captured in this short film will be distributed globally and allow people to share in one of world’s most spectacular New Year celebrations,” Mr McEvoy said.

The City is also hosting a photo competition and people can enter by uploading photos from the night via the App or the City’s website.

City.Mobi

Also in Australia today, City.Mobi is celebrating the success of its new guide to Brisbane.

City.Mobi offers the most comprehensive mobile travel guides available, with over 800 cities in 200 countries listed. Each is developed by the City.Mobi team to combine into a single global travel directory.

However, each city retains its own mobile identity via a dedicated domain. Already on offer are Brussels.Mobi, Paris.Mobi, Sanfrancisco.Mobi and Sydney.Mobi.

Brisbane.mobi is the latest in this illustrious line up, offering click to call functionality – which means no scribbling down telephone numbers.

Most entries are also linked to websites where users can quickly access more detailed information if needed.

Other key features include information on accommodation, restaurants, attractions, entertainment, nightlife, shopping, and transport.

City.Mobi guides include user reviews and traveller utilities such as a translation guide, currency converter, news and local weather guide.