Do I need a fireworks permit?

To hold a display

To hold a fireworks display for Cracker Night, you must obtain a permit from WorkSafe Tasmania.

Fireworks displays held without a permit are illegal and attract severe monetary fines.

Anyone 18 years or older can apply for a Cracker Night fireworks permit. If a permit is issued, it allows the permit holder to purchase and use Type 2 fireworks.

Cracker Night falls on 24 May each year. If this date is not a Saturday, the following Saturday will apply.

Cracker Night permits are approved for a 45 minute display either at 7:00pm to 7:45pm or at 7:45pm to 8:30pm.

All other fireworks displays must be conducted:

• by a pyrotechnician
• for an ‘approved purpose’ type of fireworks display only.

How to apply

To apply for a fireworks permit for Cracker Night, you need complete the approved application form and submit it at a Service Tasmania outlet.

You will need to ensure that you read each question carefully, as providing false and misleading information may result in an infringement fine.

Rescheduling of Cracker Night

By law, Cracker Night falls on 24 May each year. If this date is not a Saturday, the following Saturday will apply.

If a permit is issued for Cracker Night, it allows Type 2 fireworks to be purchased and used. It will NOT be rescheduled to another day.

Using Type 2 fireworks on any other day without a permit is illegal and attracts severe monetary fines.

Guide for planning  your Cracker Night Fireworks Display

Having a firework display can be a lot of fun for friends and family but it must be done safely and in compliance with the law.

To participate in Cracker Night, you must apply for a permit. Both the applicant and the fireworks display site must meet strict criteria that will ensure that the display can be held safely.  Discharging them without a permit is against the law and can attract a significant penalty.

This guide is designed to help you plan your fireworks display safely.  As you go through this guide, check that you are able to satisfy the requirements, if you can’t then you may not be eligible for a permit to have your display.

Cracker Night is a long standing tradition which occurs in May each year and is the only night of the year where fireworks permits are available to the public. All other fireworks displays must be conducted by a qualified pyrotechnician.

We will now work our way through the process of applying for a permit but first a few definitions that might assist you.

Definitions

• Display address – the street address of the property where the fireworks display will be held
• Fireworks firing point – the specific location within a property boundary at the display address where the fireworks will be launched from.
• Ground Display is used to describe a type of fireworks. These fireworks typically do not launch a projectile high into the air. They may include mines, roman candles, lances, fountains or wheels but do not include aerial shells.

So let us begin the planning process.

• Permits: You need a fireworks permit to hold a fireworks display on Cracker Night in Tasmania. A permit is obtained through Service Tasmania and is approved by WorkSafe Tasmania. You must be 18 years or older to apply for a permit.
• Types of Fireworks allowed to be used: Only Type 2, also known as “shop good” fireworks are permitted for Cracker Night. These are only available for purchase from an authorised seller. You can buy them online from the sellers’ websites for collection in person at a depot or they can be delivered to your residence just prior to the display date.
• Date and Time: Cracker night is on 24 May of each year. If that date does not fall on a Saturday, then the following Saturday is applicable. On this night you will have the option to choose from two 45-minute timeslots for your fireworks display. When selecting the most suitable time, consider factors such as –
  • The age of spectators to your display
  • The nature of your event
  • The number of people attending your display The impact on neighbours, particularly those with animals

Once you have a time allocated, you must strictly adhere to it. Changing the allocated time is not permitted as this may impact those who have made arrangements to accommodate your display. For example, neighbours may have moved their livestock to a different location, people may leave their animals inside whilst your display is on to minimise the impact, or they may need to comfort or sedate animals that are startled by the fireworks.

Be mindful of how your display affects others, as disrupting neighbours or breaching your permit conditions can influence whether your display is allowed to proceed and whether you will be considered for a permit in the future.

• Conditions:  Every permit that is granted comes with specific conditions that must be adhered to. It is essential that you carefully read and fully understand what the conditions are and how you comply with them. These are designed to make sure that you do everything safely during your display. Failure to comply with your permit conditions may result in penalties.

2.  Display distances

Firework displays need to satisfy minimum mandated distances from certain properties, businesses, land zones, and geographical features. Consideration must be given to areas where fireworks may impact on animals, may present as a fire hazard, may cause damage to the environment, or if it will interfere with infrastructure or vehicles.

You will need to familiarise yourself with how to measure distances from your fireworks firing point, as these must be able to be satisfied. If they can’t then your display may not be approved.

We will now work through what the minimum mandated distances are.

Proximity to animals (privately owned livestock and horses)

Requirement: Minimum distance - 500 metres from a privately owned horses or livestock

• It is essential to identify any properties within 500 metres of your fireworks firing point that have privately owned horses or livestock. You will need to consult with and obtain consent from the occupants of these properties or owners before submitting your permit application. It is a good idea to have a conversation with these landowners in the planning stages and make sure that the firing point that you have identified is able to satisfy the distance. It is always good to talk to the people that may be impacted by your fireworks display.
• The proximity of animals to a fireworks display is a common reason for declining applications or cancelling permits. Every year, Worksafe Tasmania receives numerous complaints from horse owners regarding the potential impact of fireworks on their animals. Horses often panic at the sight and sound of fireworks, leading them to run into the dark, which can result in injuries to both the horses and their owners as they attempt to manage and calm the frightened animals.

Proximity to wildlife conservation areas

Requirement:   Minimum distance - 3 kilometres from wildlife park boundaries

• Wildlife parks rarely grant consent for a fireworks display close to their boundaries as they need to protect the wildlife within the park.
• Similar to horse owners, they are concerned about the distress fireworks cause animals.  However, with significantly more animals within a wildlife park and limited staffing to manage them, parks cannot handle the widespread panic caused by fireworks. If you live within 3 kilometres of a wildlife park, it is highly unlikely your fireworks application will be approved.

Proximity to commercial businesses

Requirement:    Minimum distance – 1 kilometre of any commercial livestock, commercial boarding kennels, or a commercial horse/equestrian business

• For a fireworks firing point within one kilometre from any commercial livestock, commercial boarding kennels, or a commercial horse/equestrian business you will need to obtain consent from the property owner or occupier before submitting your permit application
• If you are unable to gain consent, then it is highly unlikely your application will be approved.

Proximity to buildings and roads

Requirement: Minimum distance – 50 metres away from neighbouring homes and any nearby roads.

• Your firing point must be 50 metres away from neighbouring homes and any nearby roads. Your display will not be able to proceed if you are not able to satisfy this requirement.
• Even if you obtain consent from neighbours, your application will not be approved.

3.  Notification and communication

A fireworks permit requires notification 7 days prior to your display to the following persons:

• Your local council
• All adjoining properties of your display address
• Other notification requirements may be imposed on your permit, this will be discussed with you during the application process.

4.  Spectator Safety

• Safe Distance:   You will need to ensure that all spectators are a minimum of 10 metres from your fireworks firing point.
• Supervision:  The permit holder will need to be on site during the display.
• Aerial fireworks:  Aerial fireworks must not be fired to cross or burst over spectators.

5.  General Safety

• Weather: You cannot hold a fireworks display in strong winds (greater than 39km an hour) or if a total fire ban has been declared.
• Water Supply: You should have a hose, buckets of water, or a fire extinguisher nearby for emergencies.
• Safety: It is an offence to use fireworks if you are smoking or under the influence of an intoxicating drug or medication (including alcohol).
• Setup and Stability: Ensure fireworks are placed securely on flat ground or in launch tubes to prevent them from tipping over. The fireworks suppliers have useful guides on how to suitably set up for your display.
• First Aid: Have a first aid kit on hand for minor injuries.
• Emergency Contacts: Know the numbers for local fire services and medical help.

6.  Fireworks Selection

• Types: Choose fireworks that are appropriate for your setting and your spectators. Some permits will only allow you to purchase certain types of fireworks i.e. ground display fireworks.  Ensure you check your permit conditions carefully before purchasing.
• Quantity:  Your permit will allow you to purchase up to 20kg of fireworks unless stipulated otherwise.
• Noise Consideration: Be mindful of neighbours, pets, and wildlife. Consider using quieter fireworks.  These fireworks still have the colours and spectacular display but can be quieter. Talk to your fireworks supplier for more information.

10.  Post-Display

• Cooldown Period: Allow fireworks to cool completely before disposal.
• Disposal: Dispose of used fireworks according to local waste management guidelines.
• Defective fireworks: Never attempt to relight a dud firework. Wait 20 minutes before soaking in water overnight then disposing of them safely.

By thoroughly considering these factors, you can host a safe and enjoyable fireworks display for everyone involved.

How to measure distances guidance

Online resources like google maps or TheList are available to assist you determine whether your proposed fireworks firing point has sufficient clearance and meets the required firing distances.  These tools can assist you in deciding whether to proceed with your application or consider finding an alternative location:

While Google Maps can give you a general idea of distances between locations, using TheList will enable you to measure a more accurate distance.

To use TheList you will need to go to www.thelist.gov.au and follow the below instructions:

• On the homepage, select “Listmap”.
• Once on the map screen appears select “Basemaps” (right corner) and then select “State Aerial Photo” which will give you a more accurate image.
• In the right top corner select layers then “Add Layer”
• click on “Cadastre” then select “Boundary Lines with Accuracy” option. This will show you boundaries between properties. You may also wish to add “Land Tenure” as a layer to check the locations and distances of any nearby reserves, national parks, timber zones etc.
• Next, go into “Tools” (top left corner) and select “Map Tool”. Select the 4^th option in order to measure exact distances between properties. You can also use this to measure the distance between your fireworks firing point and neighbour boundaries.
• You then search for your address.

The following image shows how you can use TheList to estimate the exact distance between two locations (in this case, between the lawns at the Clarence Council chambers and the southern end of the Eastlands carpark):

RESOURCES

• TheList is a handy tool to check maps and measure distances from other properties / landmarks etc – www.thelist.tas.gov.au
• Google Maps can also be used for the same functions as TheList  – www.images.google.com

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Have feedback on the fireworks permit process for WorkSafe Tasmania?

Email your feedback or concerns to wst.fireworks@justice.tas.gov.au.

Please read our Using fireworks safely on Cracker Night guide.

Printable Fireworks Application guide

Resources

Application for pyrotechnician permit

Using fireworks safely on Cracker Night