Legal, public fireworks displays are the safest way to go on the Australia Day long weekend, warns Queensland Mines Minister Dr Anthony Lynham.
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His warning to steer clear of illegal fireworks displays follows serious injuries from illegal fireworks that happened interstate over the New Year period.
“Fireworks – like barbeques, beach cricket and cold drinks – are part and parcel of Australia Day festivities,” Dr Lynham said.
“But it’s easy to forget that fireworks contain explosives that can cause serious and permanent injury including burns, loss of sight and loss of limbs.”
it’s easy to forget that fireworks contain explosives that can cause serious and permanent injury including burns, loss of sight and loss of limbs
- Dr Anthony Lynham
Dr Lynham said the last thing anyone wanted was to see serious injuries caused by illegal fireworks.
“No matter where in Queensland you are celebrating Australia Day, you will likely have access to a fireworks display controlled by experienced and licensed fireworks contractors,” he said.
“The smarter, safer way to have Australia Day go off with a bang, is to go to a legal, public display.”
Fireworks are not just unsafe – they can be costly too.
It has been illegal in Queensland since 1972 for anyone other than a licensed fireworks operator to buy, possess or use fireworks.
Anyone caught illegally using or possessing fireworks faces fines of up to $47,120 or six months imprisonment.
In the past 12 months, 122 people in Queensland have been prosecuted under the Explosives Act 1999 for fireworks offences.
Anyone who has illegal fireworks should call 1300 739 868 to arrange for them to be collected.
Dr Lynham urged Queenslanders to report anyone selling or using fireworks illegally to the Queensland Police Service or a local explosives inspector.
Contact details for explosive inspectors are available at dnrm.qld.gov.au.