Nick McKim MP | Greens Environment spokesperson
Tasmania's system for issuing fireworks permits needs improving to allow people and businesses which may be impacted by fireworks displays to make submissions to government before permits are issued.
The problem was identified as a result of numerous permits being issued near Bonorong Wildlife Sanctuary, but this is an issue which is important to a range of people including pet owners, farmers and horse owners, as well as wildlife parks.
The problem is that currently only adjacent landowners are notified, and only once permits have been issued.
The solution is to ensure that once applications for permits have been made they are advertised, and provision made for potentially impacted people and businesses to make representations before the permits are issued.
This would ensure that people can have their concerns considered by the relevant authorities before permits are issued.
The reforms also need to ensure wider notification of any permits that have been granted.
For the sake of our native and domestic animals, for pet owners, and for businesses like farmers, studs and wildlife parks, the system needs changing.