NT News poll shows readers mixed on Cracker Night date

Territorians are split on whether Cracker Night should be moved to the wet season, after calls were made to push back the event’s date to mitigate the risk of a fire. HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR POLL.

• VOTE IN OUR POLL: Call for Cracker Night to be held in the wet season

TERRITORIANS are split on whether Cracker Night should be moved to the wet season permanently, after calls were made to push back the event’s date to mitigate the risk of a fire.

The new date for the 2021 Territory Day, also known as Cracker Night, is due to be announced soon after it was postponed due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

Bushfires NT chief fire control officer Andrew Turner suggested the event be moved to the wet season to mitigate the risk of a fire, a suggestion that has set the internet alight.

There were more than 700 votes on an NT News poll asking readers whether the event should take place during the wet season, with 51 per cent of voters for changing the date and 49 per cent against it.

There were also hundreds of comments across multiple NT News platforms, with readers either staunchly for or against the change.

“Yes. Move it to the Wet season. Make life a lot easier for people with health problems,” Denise wrote.

“Would be better to help the firefighters if everything is wet!” Matthew wrote.

“Cracker night is for the 1st of July which was the commencement of self government in the Territory. Wouldn’t be the same having it on another day … On the 1st of July it is usually a very pleasant evening to go outside which sadly isn’t the same during the wet season,” David wrote.

Many readers also expressed concerns the weather in Central Australia during the wet season would pose a fire risk.

“How on Earth is that going to reduce the risk of fires in Alice Springs – not only dry in November but hot as well,” Susan wrote.

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“Cracker night in Central Australia during ‘wet season’ doesn’t work,” Tristan wrote.

“Moving the date may help the fire situation in the top end, but it wouldn’t be such a great idea for Central Australia in the heat of summer,” Lara wrote.

According to the Bureau of Meteorology from spring to summer, or September to February, is the peak fire season for Central Australia.

Other readers suggested that fireworks should be banned from the public’s hands and only be set off by professionals.

“Celebrate 1 July but get rid of the fireworks from members of the public,” Peter wrote.