Tara Murray
Illegal fireworks being set off continue to cause frustrations among the Brimbank community.
Residents have regularly taken to Facebook community groups to complain about fireworks being let off, with the number of complaints increasing in recent months.
Among the complaints is people being woken up by the noise, animals getting scared, and in some cases, escaping due to the shock.
One resident who didn’t want to be named said the negative impact of fireworks divided the community.
“I have heard how much joy fireworks bring to children,” she said. “Yes, I agree and there are designated areas all over Melbourne for children to view fireworks safely.
“Anyone that lives in the Brimbank area knows it’s never just one night. It’s days before, the night before, the night after, days after and just when we think finally, maybe they have run out of fireworks, it’s Chinese New Year and it starts all over again.”
The resident said while many people were already aware of the impact of fireworks on animals and risk of starting fires, she said that it impacted some people too.
“Over the past five years more than 100 people in Victoria were hospitalised due to firework injuries,” she said.
“Firefighters respond to dozens of calls each year due to fires and explosions caused by fireworks.
“The thing that isn’t talked about a lot is the psychological effect fireworks have on people who suffer PTSD [post-traumatic stress disorder].
“If you don’t care about the risk of fires, injury, or any animals, then consider the negative impact fireworks have on those who suffer from PTSD.”
It is a crime for anyone other than licensed pyrotechnicians to use or possess fireworks, which are classed as a type of explosive under the Dangerous Goods Act.
WorkSafe is the leading agency in relation to illegal fireworks.
WorkSafe health and safety executive director Narelle Beer recently issued a warning encouraging people to attend official fireworks displays only.
“Spectacular fireworks displays are being prepared across Victoria,” Dr Beer said.
“Not only do those who possess fireworks illegally face imprisonment and hefty fines, but they’re risking their life and the lives of those around them.”
In 2021, WorkSafe destroyed 731 kilograms of fireworks that were seized or surrendered, compared with 626 kilograms in 2020.
Fire Rescue Victoria Commissioner Ken Block said firefighters responded to 163 incidents involving fireworks in the past five years.
