Brisbane festival has refused to cancel its enormous annual fireworks show despite growing concern from the public that it would be inappropriate to stage in the aftermath of unseasonable bushfires raging through the state.

Queensland has faced an unprecedented onslaught of fire activity since the beginning of September, with more than 1,200 fires burning homes, businesses and an estimated 55,000 hectares of land.

A petition was set up last week calling for Riverfire, Brisbane’s annual “pyrotechnic extravaganza”, to be cancelled in the wake of the bushfires. The petition currently has more than 17,000 signatories.

Taking place on the centrally located Brisbane River, Riverfire includes fireworks displays launched from bridges, buildings, barges and other landmarks throughout the city, and aerobatics displays from the Australian Defence Force.

It is one of the city’s annual arts festival’s major public events and has run for 21 years.

The petition’s creator, Lauren Darwin, said in her appeal on Change.org that the millions of dollars spent on Riverfire could be put to better use supporting rural communities in the aftermath of the fires.

“Out of respect for the hardworking firefighters and the families who have lost everything, a big fireworks spectacle like Riverfire should be put on hold this year,” she wrote.

But Brisbane festival said on Wednesday it was “vital” for “community morale and for jobs” that Riverfire proceed as planned, as well as the businesses that depended on the increased patronage Riverfire brought.

“This major civic occasion brings together over half a million people from all over South-East Queensland to celebrate our city. It’s a great unifier, which is even more important in times of adversity,” a festival spokesperson said in a statement.

The festival said it is collecting funds for the Queensland government’s bushfire appeal coordinated by donations platform Givit through online ticket sales and that it will be establishing donation points at popular Riverfire vantage points, such as the Kangaroo Point cliffs.

Riverfire is scheduled to take place on Saturday 28 September.