The ACT Government will again allow fireworks to be sold in Canberra on the Queen's Birthday long weekend but not all stakeholders are happy with the decision.
Last year the Government reduced the selling times and the days fireworks could be used. It also announced it would be reviewing the future of the event. A report on the use of fireworks beyond 2010 is now expected to go to Cabinet in the next couple of months.
Industrial Relations Minister John Hargreaves says the community has long been divided over whether to continue the event.
"We know that 35 per cent of the community are very, very strongly against having fireworks available," he said. "We know that only half of people are very strongly in favour of keeping them. This is a very sensitive issue and the community has been asking for a decision one way or the other for quite some time."
'Very special'
Fireworks retailers are pleased it has not been banned. Fireworks Australia director Martin Brady says regulations imposed by the Government worked well last year and losing the event would be disappointing.
"It went very well last year, it was well received so I think it's a positive and reasonable action," he said. "A lot of Canberra families use them and enjoy them, it's something that's very special to the ACT. "When and if they eventually do go it would be a loss to our community and to the culture of our community I'm sure."
'Decision needed'
But the RSPCA's Michael Linke says it is a bad move and will put animals at risk. "It means that hundreds of families are going to lose their pets over the long weekend in June, it means that a number of families will probably pay the ultimate price and have a pet killed this long weekend," he said.
Mr Linke says a firm decision is needed on the issue. "It's disappointing that the Government hasn't seen fit to impose a ban this year," he said. "But we'll put a strong submission in hoping that from 2010, the Government finally realises fireworks are an outdated and archaic activity and that there's no need for them in Canberra."
Opposition spokeswoman Vicki Dunne says the Government needs to develop a firm policy stance on the issue. "What we've got is another chaotic incoherent response from the Stanhope Government," she said. "They have been trying to make up their minds on this issue for three or four years now and we've just got more delay, there is no clear policy direction or leadership." The new regulations introduced for last year's fireworks weekend will remain in force this year.