Port Adelaide Enfield Council invites residents to have say on use of fireworks

A colourful display or a lot of noise that scares the dog? A local council wants to hear its residents’ views on the use of fireworks.

Fireworks at Semaphore fireworks in 2015. Picture: Mitchell Gibson

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The use of firework can often spark a healthy debate.

There are those people who lament the noise pollution and worry their dog will escape, while other people enjoy the spectacle that comes from the colourful display.

Port Adelaide Enfield is inviting residents to have their say on fireworks, to help guide the council when making future decisions.

Revellers watch the fireworks on New Year’s Eve in Glenelg.

Mayor Claire Boan said the council was aware the use of fireworks at events was a “controversial topic with passionate opinions on both sides of the debate”.

“Many thousands of people enjoy fireworks events every year and they have become a key element of certain community celebrations,” Ms Boan said.

“However, the nationwide bushfires earlier in the year raised questions from the community about the appropriateness of fireworks.

“We thought that now was a good time to put the question out and hear what people have to say.”

Each year, the council spends more than $100,000 on fireworks and related expenses across three main events – the Christmas Twilight Parade at Port Adelaide and New Year’s Eve and Australia Day celebrations at Semaphore.

These events attract about 50,000 people each year.

Residents have until August 14 to provide their views on the use of fireworks to the council.