More than 1500 fireworks will be launched from around Civic Square on December 31, in two shows: one at 9pm for parents with younger children, and one a midnight spectacular.

Fireworks Australia director Martin Brady said he had just returned with his team from touring with the Rolling Stones, and would be using some of their new techniques on the ACT show.

"We are going to use a lot more stage pyrotechnics this year, so there will be rooftop fireworks around the stage area for both the shows," he said.

"I'll be setting them off myself."

Among the regular fireworks would be a range of special displays, including love hearts and an explosive version of the planet Saturn, he said.

But though most of the display wouldn't be put in place until just before the day, his team had been working on some parts of it since August due to the complexity of the show.

"It'll be an awesome show. Some of the guys have been making stuff for quite some time - it's huge," he said.

Treasurer Andrew Barr announced this week that Australian band Eskimo Joe would be headlining the capital's New Years celebrations, along with local bands Plump and Dos Locos, from 7pm.

"The state-of-the-art pyrotechnic displays at 9pm and midnight set to a stellar soundtrack are always a highlight of the night's entertainment," he said.

"Civic Square offers the best seat in the house for the fireworks - the 9pm show provides the perfect opportunity for families, while late-night revellers can stay on for the countdown to midnight."