Weston residents fed up with frequent fireworks

The Quirks say they have frequently heard fireworks near their home in the past three years, and that it has increased to a weekly occurrence in recent months – resulting in many sleepless nights trying to settle their dog Rufus.

Their main concerns are the risk of harm to people, native birds and animals and family pets, and the possibility of fireworks causing bushfires, damaging houses and the environment.

 “The use of fireworks was normally limited to Friday or Saturday evenings, but in the last several weeks they have been heard on other evenings as well,” Mr Quirk said.

“The local dogs, which are more sensitive to noise than humans, react very badly to the noise.

“It is now a regular occurrence that we have to bring our dog inside to sleep as the noise disturbs him badly.”

He called police three times in the last 10 days of 2015 to report the use of fireworks near his home, but by the time police arrived, the fireworks had stopped.

Mr Quirk has written to various parliamentarians – including Premier Mike Baird – to request a plan of campaign to stop what he calls an “unwarranted intrusion into the lives of the citizens of NSW”.

“Fireworks are dangerous and not just a nuisance,” Mr Quirk said.

“The use of them must be stopped before there are serious consequences.”

Backyard firework displays are illegal in NSW and those who buy, sell or use fireworks without a WorkCover licence face heavy fines or imprisonment.

In NSW, the possession, use, storage and transport of display fireworks is restricted to individuals holding an appropriate WorkCover NSW licence.

Using fireworks without a licence risks an on-the-spot fine of up to $2000 with penalties ranging up to $27,500 for displaying fireworks without a licence. Selling or purchasing fireworks without a licence can also result in fines of $27,500 and 12 months jail.

Anyone with information on the illegal use or sale of fireworks should call CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.