NYE Grinch?

I know I'm only part of a minority view... but, I think organized New year's eve celebrations are becoming not only a gross waste of money (reportedly +/-14 tonnes of fireworks expended by Melbourne and Sydney events alone) but also dangerous, as the growing mass gatherings of 'revellers' are becoming impossible for police and para-medic personnel to adequately service... especially once the seemingly inevitable 'booze and bash' brigade go into action.

Could someone explain the lasting social and/or promotional value of such events to an apparently out-of-step dumbo like me?