As revealed in the Journal last month, support for multicultural and community groups is to be reduced as festival organisers attempt to find funding to stage fireworks.

The fireworks were only announced in December, after Knox councillors overturned a decision by the festival committee to not have fireworks.

The committee had earlier raised concerns the fireworks might pose a bushfire risk.

Knox and District Woodworkers president Hurtle Lupton said the group had been told unofficially that it could lose a third of the portable marquee it normally occupied. "That's going to impact us quite severely."

He said the group would meet this week to decide what changes it would have to make.

"We won't be able to fit everything in, so we're going to have to look at reducing something or cutting it out."

Mr Lupton said the group was reluctant to cut children's programs, but woodturning or carving may be reduced.

Preparations for the group's exhibition are well under way. "It's a bit of a kick in the backside for us, that we've got to reduce our community input."

But Knox mayor Joe Cossari said he was led to believe that with the marquees there would only be a "minimal reduction, so they [community groups] won't be stuck completely".

"Instead of having 10 square metres, they might have 9.5, so it will only be a fraction of a difference."

Cr Cossari previously stated that the council would ensure "everyone gets their fair share".

Knox chief executive Graeme Emonson said staff would work closely with organisations to ensure their needs were best met.