Building and Construction Minister Adam Brooks will determine the future of Cracker Night, with the Justice Department understood to have recommended a ban of type two fireworks following a review.
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The department raised six options for the future use of fireworks in the state in a discussion paper, and is understood to have recommended the government implement the toughest option, requiring the possession of a shot-firers licence to use outdoor fireworks.
Currently members of the public are able to use type two fireworks on Cracker Night if they hold a fireworks display permit.
The review was implemented after concerns were raised about the use of fireworks near the Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary.
WorkSafe Tasmania received more than 130 submissions to the discussion paper during a two-month public feedback period.
The discussion paper detailed a number of issues with the use of fireworks, including dangers their use poses to people, property and the environment, its potential to cause public disturbance, and weaknesses in the current permit regime.
The paper detailed a limited ability for WorkSafe Tasmania to enforce the correct usage of fireworks and a need for the public to be better informed about safe storage and disposal requirements.
It also suggested a lengthening of the 21-day permit application deadline, allowing more time for complex applications to be investigated and public objections to be heard.
Mr Brooks said the government would make a decision on the report’s recommendations in the near future.
“Submissions included a wide range of opinions, from those wanting fireworks to be banned outright and immediately because of the disruption and distress they can cause domestic animals and wildlife, to others who were adamant they wanted to continue to enjoy the spectacle of cracker night,” Mr Brooks said.
“I don’t want the government to be the fun police, but at the same time the risks and impact of fireworks needs to be taken into account.”
The recommendation validates fears of Bright Star Fireworks owner Cherida Palmer that this year’s Cracker Night could be Tasmania’s last.
She has warned any move to ban or further limit the use of type two fireworks would kill Cracker Night.
Ms Palmer said there were a number of changes that should be made to streamline the use of fireworks, including a need for neighbours to be notified that a fireworks display would be held in their area, but said most recommendations smacked of over-regulation.