Early start for Bribie Island NYE fireworks

Published 04 January 2016

Moreton Bay Regional Council has issued an apology to local families who may have just missed the start of the Bribie Island New Year’s Eve fireworks due to windy conditions. 

A spokesperson for council said the fireworks were coordinated by licensed pyrotechnicians, as part of a community-run local event and sponsored by council. Event organisers are required to comply with Queensland Government duty of care obligations to ensure community safety at all times.

The Department of Natural Resources and Mines sets out clear responsibilities for event organisers which includes responding appropriately to changed conditions (e.g. cancel the display due to unsafe weather conditions such as high winds or other factors), and not allowing a fireworks display to proceed if event organisers know the display does not comply with safety requirements.

Just after 8pm, onsite pyrotechnicians recommended the 8.30pm fireworks start early or risk being cancelled due to increasing wind gusts along the Bongaree foreshore.

Pyrotechnicians reported that wind gusts were causing waves to come over the side of the fireworks barge, creating workplace health and safety concerns for their staff. 

Event organisers will take on board feedback from local residents as they plan next year’s event, including advising event-goers ahead of time that fireworks may start early due to inclement weather and utilising social media where possible to notify of any emergent changes. 

Despite the early start of the fireworks, many thousands of families enjoyed the New Year’s Eve festivities hosted from 12.00pm in Brennan Park at Bongaree.

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