Gold Coast residents call for crackdown on ‘fireworks capital of Australia’

They’re often mistaken for gunfire and can send dogs into a barking frenzy - now some fed up residents are calling for a ban on fireworks. VOTE IN OUR POLL

They’re often mistaken for gunfire and can send dogs into a barking frenzy – now fed up residents are calling for a crackdown on the frequency of fireworks, with some wanting a ban.

Labrador residents say their suburb has become the “fireworks capital of Australia”.

Residents in Southport and Surfers Paradise have also reported the loud and colourful displays happening more often and increasingly during weeknights.

Labrador’s Hayley Croucher said she had noticed a fireworks surge over the past five years.

“I definitely think the frequency has increased,” Ms Croucher said.

“We have a rescue dog and she’s reactive to fireworks. As soon as they start going off, she will bark constantly.”

The Labrador mum said she expected fireworks on special occasions like New Year’s Eve, but didn’t appreciate them at 8.30pm on a Wednesday.

“It’s just bizarre,” she said.

Hayley Croucher’s daughter Abbie Croucher with her four-year-old fox terrier Bonnie who is terrified of fireworks. Picture: Glenn Hampson

Southport’s Michael Black said they were happening too much on the Gold Coast.

“Definitely they should be banned or slowed down,” Mr Black said.

“I love fireworks, but I think there is getting to be too many.

“Especially in the Broadwater up near the Spit, there are lots happening every weekend.”

Members of a Labrador Facebook community group recently vented their frustration with the volume of displays.

“Fireworks any other time than New Year’s are tacky and annoying,” one woman said.

“Labrador should be known as the fireworks capital of Australia,” another wrote.

“We have them at least every week, if not, twice a week on some occasions.”

Fireworks at Surfers Paradise. Picture: Glenn Hampson

The state government’s Explosives Inspectorate is responsible for managing licences and permits for fireworks operators and contractors.

“Only competent and licensed fireworks operators may use display fireworks,” a Resources Safety and Health Queensland spokeswoman said.

“Licenced fireworks contractors are obliged to provide notice to RSHQ at least seven days before a display.”

Labrador New Year’s Eve fireworks over the Broadwater. Picture: Scott Powick

The Explosives Inspectorate reviews their notification and publishes a list of notified firework display dates here.

A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman said organisers of events who wish to include fireworks must seek approval from the relevant state government department.

“The city can overturn a decision to approve fireworks during times of a total fire ban,” she said.

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