Demand for greater restrictions on fireworks in the Macedon Ranges has sparked a petition that’s garnered more than 4500 signatures.
Springfield Equestrian Park’s Emily Bannister launched the petition in December in a bid to ban noisy fireworks on private properties in rural areas.
Ms Bannister said the Macedon Ranges and Mitchell Shire areas were known for high equine activity, and fireworks could cause a range of problems for horses.
“It is well documented that horses suffer extreme stress from the noise during fireworks and take flight at any incident that frightens them,” she said.
“A fright could see a horse go through a fence and out onto this major road, causing injury to the horse and potentially a catastrophic car accident.”
Animal Welfare Victoria suggests keeping horses away from fireworks that can be seen or heard but Ms Bannister said this was “completely impractical”.
“It is a huge undertaking to ask all horse owners to remove their horses at any time of the day or night, for a six to eight-minute display of fireworks. Often owners don’t have their own means of transport to remove the horses,” she said.
Ms Bannister said she would like to see noisy fireworks banned and replaced with ‘silent fireworks’ to better protect livestock.
Advertising of a fireworks display to be held in Springfield last weekend reignited discussion on social media platforms last week.
While some residents questioned its suitability for the shire, some felt the fun displays should not be over-policed as there was sufficient notification.
Only licensed pyrotechnicians or people under their direct supervision have permission to use fireworks in Victoria and must notify WorkSafe at least seven days before the display.
If fireworks are scheduled during the Fire Danger Period or on Total Fire Ban days a permit from the Country Fire Authority is required.
Macedon Ranges Shire Council does not approve or issue permits for fireworks, however, restrictions could be introduced under a local law.
“Council could consider the regulation of fireworks as part of the next review of the Local Law, which is due later this year,” said Rebecca Stockfeld, MRSC’s director of planning and environment.
The council will be consulting with the community during the review and invites residents to check for updates on its website.
The ‘Ban Fireworks on Private Properties in Rural Areas’ can can be found online at Change.org
