Fireworks displays

Step 1.Who can release a firework display?

Fireworks displays can include strings of fireworks, ground level fireworks or aerial fireworks. Only pyrotechnicians who hold a licence from SafeWork NSW can release any type of fireworks display.

Step 2.Site suitability

Site suitability must be considered before planning a fireworks display.  SafeWork NSW provides a list of considerations for site suitability including proximity to residences and hospitals, public nuisance, impacts on animal welfare, and environmental pollution. Visit the SafeWork NSW website for the Operational conditions for pyrotechnician's and single use fireworks licences and more information.

Step 3.Do you have permission?

You must have the permission of the property owner for a fireworks display. If the owner has refused permission the display must not proceed.  Permission can be sought from Crown Lands at Apply for a general licence.  For approval for the use of City land you must contact coffs.council@chcc.nsw.gov.au, for permission before you notify.

Step 4.Notify us

If you want to undertake a fireworks display within the Coffs Harbour Local Government Area, you must notify The City a minimum of 7 working days prior to the event.

You must include with your notification:

• A site diagram showing the firing location, buffer zones, emergency equipment (including firefighting equipment and first aid equipment), appropriate clean-up equipment and any other relevant information.
• a copy of your pyrotechnicians licence from SafeWork NSW
• the SafeWork NSW Fireworks Display Checklist

The City may charge a fee for the review of the applications, costs can be found in our fees and charges

Notification of Proposed Fireworks Display

Step 5.What happens next?

The City will use the SafeWork NSW guidelines when reviewing a proposed fireworks display and will consider whether the location is appropriate.

Under the Explosives Regulation 2013, councils may object or impose conditions on an applicant’s use of fireworks.

It is a condition of licence that notified fireworks displays must not proceed if any of the authorities, specified in condition 1.3 of Operational conditions, raise objections to the event and the Pyrotechnician or Fireworks Single Use licence holder has not been able to resolve those objections with the relevant authority.

The City will notify the pyrotechnician and SafeWork NSW if we have any objections to a planned display.  

SafeWork NSW is the agency who ultimately authorises or refuses fireworks display applications, and they may suspend or cancel a licence or impose penalties on licence holders who do not comply with the conditions of the licence or requirements in the legislation.