Did you enjoy the fireworks around Canberra over the long weekend? Or was Canberra like a war zone for you?
Was your dog inside or outside at night over the long weekend? Chances are it may have joined more than fifty others roaming the streets or at the RSPA shelter. Letters in “The Canberra Times’ today indicate opposing views on the issue of legal fireworks in Canberra.
One person, whose car windscreen was shattered by fireworks taped to it, reported feeling like he was in a war zone. Mailboxes and postboxes were also blown up by vandals. Not surprisingly, many Canberra residents feel that permitting anyone to access fireworks legally between certain hours spells trouble, and leads to irresponsible behaviour.
Others argue that people should stop complaining about people having harmless fun, and keep their dogs inside (‘what do they do with their dog when there is a thunderstorm?’)
As usual, there is tension between advocates of rights and/or responsibilities in this debate. The majority acts sensibly and respects the safety and comfort of others, but a minority appears to take liberties with this privilege, to the point of impinging on other people’s (and animals’) freedom. This dilemma repeats itself over and over in our democratic system. Often, no-one is particularly pleased with the end result.
Frequently, there are three courses of action. Public education, regulation with penalty, (from restricted hours and access to a total ban on the activity), and pricing/taxing.
In the case of fireworks, it is unlikely that public education in schools or via media campaign has been given much attention. The ACT government is currently regulating the access to certain age groups and the occasion and hours when fireworks can be legally used. ? It appears that the ACT Government is now considering a total ban.
However, as far as I know there is no requirement to inform your neighbours when and where you intend to let the fireworks off. Perhaps this would be a next step in the regulation process, and monitored where possible by Neighbourhood Watch or Suburban Policing. This could in some cases lead to local community involvement with a fireworks display, giving people an opportunity to get to know each other and show care for one another by respecting the needs of dog owners and young children frightened by the loud noises. As Healthy Neighbourhoods Project officer, I am always looking for ways to foster closer ties between neighbours. Could the next Queens Birthday long weekend be a chance for the Canberra community to find ways of celebrating together, rather than blowing us further apart and causing concern and conflict
If you have any concerns or tensions with your neighbours, feel free to contact Conflict Resolution Service on 6162 4050 for dispute counseling, referral or mediation.
Fiona McIlroy
Healthy Neighbourhoods Officer
June 10 2008
