Have a cracker festive season with safe, legal fireworks

The Palaszczuk Government is reminding Queenslanders to stay safe over the festive season by enjoying only safe and legal fireworks displays.

Minister for State Development and Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said while fireworks added enjoyment to the celebrations, watching an organised public fireworks display was a much safer option than putting yourself and others at risk by illegally using fireworks.

“Thousands of Queenslanders will undoubtedly enjoy a fireworks display over the Christmas and New Year period and nobody wants to see that fun ruined by serious injury or death resulting from illegally using fireworks,”  Dr Lynham said.

“That is why I urge Queenslanders to only attend displays that are under the control of licensed fireworks contractors.

“Licensed fireworks contractors are professionals who are bound by strict safety laws to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for Queenslanders.

Dr Lynham said it has been illegal in Queensland since 1972 for anyone other than a licensed fireworks operator to buy, possess or use fireworks.

“Fireworks are dangerous explosives and can result in horrendous injuries including severe burns, loss of sight and loss of limbs,” Dr Lynham said.

“Anyone caught illegally using or possessing fireworks can be prosecuted, with severe penalties up to a maximum $47,120 fine or six months imprisonment.

“In the past two years, 190 people in Queensland have been prosecuted under the Explosives Act 1999 for fireworks offences.”

Anyone who has illegal fireworks should surrender them to an explosives inspector by calling 1300 739 868 to arrange for them to be collected. 

“If you know of anyone selling or using fireworks illegally you should contact the Queensland Police Service or your local explosives inspector.”

Dr Lynham said during the festive season, it was important for householders to consider the impact of fireworks on their pets which can easily be frightened by the sound of fireworks.

“Pets should be secured inside the house or garage so they are comfortable in familiar surroundings and can’t run away in a distressed state,” he said.

More information about fireworks in the community, including a full list of upcoming fireworks displays, is available at: www.qld.gov.au/emergency/safety/explosives-fireworks/fireworks/

ENDS

Date: 30 December 2016

Media contact: Benjamin Mulcahy 0419 562 389