The Honourable Stephen Robertson
31/12/2010
Illegal use of fireworks can lead to serious injury and a heavy fine
Queenslanders illegally using firecrackers and fireworks risk serious injury and heavy fines, Mines and Energy Minister Stephen Robertson warned today.
"As New Year celebrations approach some people may be tempted to purchase illegal fireworks," he said.
"Fireworks are dangerous and if not used properly can cause severe burns, blindness, loss of limbs and even death.
"These fireworks may not meet the stringent safety standards imposed by the Queensland Government for the authorised sale of fireworks to licensed operators.
"Queensland banned the sale of crackers and fireworks to the public in 1972 for safety reasons.
"It is an offence for the public to buy, possess or use fireworks and anyone caught will be prosecuted.
"The penalties are severe - up to $40,000 and/or six months' imprisonment."
Mr Robertson said even the humble sparkler - which the public can legally buy - has the potential to injure people if not used correctly and under supervision.
"I am urging anyone with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks to pass that information on to police."
Mr Robertson also urged Queenslanders to take care when attending organised public fireworks displays during New Year celebrations.
"We want people to remember these fireworks celebrations for all the right reasons, not because someone ignored safety instructions from the event organisers," he said.
All approved public fireworks displays in the state are conducted by licensed fireworks contractors who operate under the
"Queensland Government Explosives Inspectors will be on the ground checking fireworks display set-ups before New Year events to ensure all safety requirements have been followed.
"Licensed fireworks operators are extremely safety conscious and I am asking the public to be safety conscious too.
"Follow all safety instructions given by fireworks operators, event organisers and security personnel, and keep behind safety barriers."
Mr Robertson also reminded people to keep their pets safe.
"Dogs and cats can be frightened by fireworks, become distressed and escape from their properties, only to be found wandering some kilometres away. Horses can also be frightened and should be restrained.
"Before you leave home to see the fireworks, please secure your dogs inside the house or garage, where they'll be in familiar surroundings and cannot escape or injure themselves," he said.
More information about explosives and fireworks safety is available on the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation-Mines website at
www.dme.qld.gov.au/mines/explosives_fireworks_safety.cfm
For further information about fireworks safety, contact government Explosives Inspectors by telephone on:
• Brisbane and Southern Queensland: 3238 3728
•Central Queensland: 4938 4442
• Northern Queensland: 4799 7004
• Statewide: 1300 739 868
