Fireworks spark policy plan

The Shire of Denmark council is expected to adopt a new fireworks policy that addresses bushfire and animal welfare concerns at a meeting on Tuesday.

A draft policy was created as the Shire occasionally receives requests for the use of fireworks at events that coincide with restricted or prohibited burning periods.

The policy stipulates that only fireworks remaining at ground level will be considered for use.

“The objective of this policy is to provide guidance to staff in issuing fireworks permits in order to prevent the spread of wildfire and the traumatisation of livestock, horses and companion animals through inappropriate fireworks usage,” the policy stated.

“Fireworks that are fired into the air and or explode in the air will not be permitted due to their increased fire risk.”

Fireworks will not be allowed during the prohibited fire season and only during certain circumstances in the restricted fire season.

Other conditions for the use of pyrotechnics within the policy relate to the land zoning.

The consultation period brought a positive response with all three submissions supporting the draft policy. The officer comment mentioned the absence of any negative submissions.

“The lack of feedback from the hospitality industry indicates that restricting the usage of fireworks is not likely to affect local wineries and function centres and the support from parties that have been most affected by the usage of fireworks on previous occasions indicates that the balance of the policy is right,” the comment read.

The officer recommendation requests that council adopts the policy.