WorkSafe Tasmania

WorkSafe Tasmania

Safe and well every day

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.

Table Cracker Night application dates

Year

Cracker Night

Last date to submit application

2024

Saturday 25 May 2024

Friday 3 May 2024

2025

Saturday 24 May 2025

Friday 2 May 2025

2026

Saturday 30 May 2026

Friday 8 May 2026

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 (available mid March 2024) 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.

If you are unsure of what properties are within 500 metres of your fireworks display, you can use Google maps. Search for the display address and if you right mouse click on the display location, you can then measure distance. You can also use www.thelist.tas.gov.au :

  • hover over the “theLIST” tab at the top of the web page, and select “Maps”
  • search for the proposed display address at the top of the page. You can scroll in or out using the plus and minus signs on the left of the screen
  • hover over the “Tools” box in the top left hand corner, select “drawing tools” and click on the circle icon
  • click on the location of your firing point, enter 500 in the pop up box, and click OK
  • the blue area will show all properties within 500 metres of your firing point.

If you are unsure if there is Permanent Timber Production Zone land near your property, you can check the map on Sustainable Timber Tasmania's website - Access map (sttas.com.au). You can search this map by address or suburb. This map shows the Permanent Timber Production Zone land as a green overlay.

Applications that may be refused

A fireworks permit may not be granted where the proposed display site is located in:

  • Acton Park, Allens Rivulet, Carlton, Devon Hills, Dodges Ferry, Orielton, Roches Beach, Spreyton or Sandford

Applications that will be refused

A fireworks permit will not be granted where the proposed display site is:

  • within 500 metres of privately owned horses unless property occupiers are aware of and agreeable to the display
  • within 1 kilometre of a commercial boarding kennel or commercial horse business
  • within 3 kilometres of a sanctuary or conservation area, such as Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, Tasmania Zoo, and Trowunna Wildlife Park.

General responsibilities for the permit holder

Once granted a permit, you must comply with the conditions that are listed with the permit.  By law, fireworks are classed as explosives and therefore must be handled with care and respect to prevent injuries and property damage.

  • As the holder of a fireworks permit, you must comply with permit conditions, including the display time, notification requirements and separation distances.
  • It is an offence to use fireworks if you are smoking or under the influence of an intoxicating drug or medication (including alcohol).
  • You are responsible for crowd control and ensuring that spectators do not gain access to fireworks or firing areas.
  • Do not hold the fireworks display in unsafe weather. This includes when winds are greater than 39 km/hour or during a lightning storm.

In the event that you do not hold your fireworks display due to unsafe weather, you must ensure you store your fireworks securely:

  • in a cool, dark place away from children such as closed wooden box or solid sided plastic container with lid
  • in their original packaging
  • away from other dangerous goods such as petrol and chemicals.

Please read our guide Using fireworks safely on Cracker Night.

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.

Resources

Application for Fireworks (Cracker Night Type 2) Permit

Application for pyrotechnician permit

Using fireworks safely on Cracker Night

Last updated: 1 June 2023
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