Celebrate Lunar New Year safely

Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson urged people celebrating the Lunar New Year to enjoy the festivities safely.

Minister Wilson said Explosives Inspectors would attend a number of Chinese New Year fireworks celebrations around the state to make sure fireworks operators were following safety standards.

“Chinese strings of crackers can be dangerous, and must only be used by licensed pyro-technicians,” Mr Wilson said.

The Minister said bans on unlicensed people buying, selling, using or possessing fireworks in Queensland had been in place since 1972.

“Despite this, some people still use illegal fireworks and they’re exposing themselves and people around them to serious injury,” he said.

“We’ve had fireworks accidents in the past in Queensland where a man lost his finger, and a boy lost his eye.

“Explosives inspectors are warning that anyone caught using illegal fireworks will be prosecuted. The penalties are severe – up to $30,000 or six months’ imprisonment.

“If people complain about being prosecuted, so be it. I’d much rather have someone hit with a fine than a potentially lethal explosive.

“Illegal fireworks are generally of poor quality and can be particularly dangerous when used by people with no training or experience.

“Only licensed fireworks contractors can legally buy and use fireworks at organised displays.

Anyone with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks should pass that information on to police.

Member for Capalaba Michael Choi agreed, saying the lunar new year should be remembered for all the right reasons.

“It’s a joyous occasion and I take this opportunity to say ‘Gong Xi Fa Cai’ to the community,” Mr Choi said.

“We’re a proudly multicultural state due in no small part to the role played by the Chinese community. Our cultural, economic and social ties have gone from strength to strength. We can look no further than our Mandarin-speaking Prime Minister from Queensland.

Mr Choi thanked the Chinese community for their valuable contribution to Brisbane’s diverse multicultural community.

“The Chinese have an ancient history and rich and colourful culture and Brisbane has gained much from our residents of Chinese descent,” Mr Choi said.

“They have also formed strong business and social ties in the community and our city is all the richer for it.

According to the Chinese Zodiac and its 12-year cycle of animals, 2008 is the Year of the Rat, beginning on February 7, 2008 and ending on January 25, 2009.

“It will be an especially good year for all those born in a Year of the Rat. A Rat Year is a time of hard work, activity, and renewal. So they say this will be a good year to begin a new job, get married or make a fresh start.”

Media inquiries: Caroline Kaurila 3224 7332