Planning a fireworks display

A safe fireworks display takes careful planning. Displays must only be performed by professional contractors who are licenced to use the different types of fireworks being used. Only licensed fireworks contractors are legally allowed to put on fireworks displays.

Under Queensland legislation there are 3 parties responsible for ensuring fireworks displays are carried out safely, they are:

event organiser or display host: the person, organisation, or other party that engages a fireworks contractor to hold a fireworks display.
Please refer to our Organising a safe and legal fireworks display guideline for the steps you must undertake for an authorised, safe fireworks display.
fireworks contractor: the licensed person contracted to plan and organise the display, purchase fireworks and ensure the display is conducted safely by competent fireworks operators, assistants and other personnel.
Refer to our list of licenced contractors.
fireworks operator: the licensed person responsible for, or in charge of, setting up and firing fireworks in accordance with the code of practice.

Fireworks legislation in Queensland

Resources Safety and Health Queensland’s Explosives Inspectorate is responsible for administering legislation to provide for the safe use of fireworks in Queensland. Event organisers and fireworks contractors and operators must satisfy their obligations under the legislation.

Classifications

Firework products are classified into two categories:

Authorised or unauthorised - which refers to whether the product has been approved by Queensland’s Chief Inspector of Explosives to meet safety standards.
Unauthorised fireworks are illegal and include those that are homemade and do not satisfy safety standards.
Restricted or unrestricted – which refers to whether a licence is required (restricted) to obtain or use the firework product, or whether it is available to the public (unrestricted). Unrestricted fireworks include sparklers, bonbons, streamer cones and caps for toy guns when used for their original purpose.
The use of fireworks by unlicensed people is illegal.

Penalties

Unauthorised use of fireworks is illegal and unsafe – don’t risk a fine, jail or injury!

Unlicenced use and possession of fireworks (other than unrestricted items such as sparklers, bonbons, streamer cones or caps for toy pistols), is an offence and carries a penalty. Offenders can be fined up to $ 55,140 (400 penalty units), face 6 months’ imprisonment, and risk severe injury.

If an animal is injured or killed due to illegal fireworks use, offenders can also be sued for damages.

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