Push to ban fireworks and animals from events

PUBLIC consultation on a push to move away from using fireworks and animals at City of Greater Bendigo events is open now.

People can supply feedback on the move, initiated by two notices of motion at the May council meeting by Cr Julie Sloan, until 29 July.

The city’s only fireworks displays are on New Year’s Eve and as part of the Bendigo Easter Festival while a number of community activities throughout the year involve small businesses that provide animal-based entertainment such as petting zoos, pony rides and reptile displays.

At the May meeting, Cr Sloan said she wanted to see entertainment that was more inclusive for people, safer for animals and wildlife, and less vulnerable to risks of fire and wind.

She said people’s views on fireworks were changing, while there were better options for entertainment that did not use animals.

Two surveys have been prepared to allow the community an opportunity to comment. One or both surveys can be completed, with each to take only two or three minutes.

When completing the fireworks survey, residents are being asked to consider if they have attended fireworks displays on New Year’s Eve or at the Bendigo Easter Festival in the past three years, and to provide their views on whether the displays should continue.

For the animal activities survey, residents should consider if they have attended Easter Festival activities in Rosalind Park, FunLoong Fun Day in Hargreaves Mall or Play in the Garden Children’s Week activities at the Garden for the Future.

Councillors will use survey responses to help make a decision on the notices of motion, which ask that the city transition away from the use of fireworks at its two events by 2032 and away from the use of animals by 2028.

The surveys can be completed at letstalkgreaterbendigo.com.au.