Fireworks on Public Land

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Council is seeking feedback from the community whether fireworks should continue to occur on public land, and if so possible suitable locations.

Background

The annual Mount Barker Christmas Carols and Fireworks has been held for approximately 20 years and is a well-supported community celebration organised by the Mount Barker Minister’s Fellowship.

To accommodate larger crowds, improve traffic management and maintain public safety, the event has moved locations from Keith Stephenson Park to Mount Barker Showgrounds and in 2025 to the Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP).

Keith Stepheson Park and Mount Barker Showgrounds no longer have the capacity and/or can safety support fireworks.

While the SSRP was selected as a preferred venue location for accommodating fireworks because of its capacity to hold large crowds, manage traffic and parking and provide safe fireworks launch zone areas, concerns have been raised about the impact of fireworks on neighbouring livestock and native wildlife, particularly around the nearby Laratinga Wetlands.

While fireworks are supported by sections of the community, they also are a concern for other sections.

In May 2026, Council resolved to undertake community engagement to better understand community sentiment before deciding about fireworks on public land.

Have your say

Council is seeking feedback from the community on whether they support fireworks on public land as part of community events or not and why, providing suggestions to suitable public land options for fireworks if supported.

Community feedback will help Council understand the community’s views on whether fireworks should occur and where they may be appropriate.

You can have your say by:

What happens next

The outcomes of engagement will be presented to Council to support informed decision-making about future fireworks events on public land across the district.

Council is seeking feedback from the community whether fireworks should continue to occur on public land, and if so possible suitable locations.

Background

The annual Mount Barker Christmas Carols and Fireworks has been held for approximately 20 years and is a well-supported community celebration organised by the Mount Barker Minister’s Fellowship.

To accommodate larger crowds, improve traffic management and maintain public safety, the event has moved locations from Keith Stephenson Park to Mount Barker Showgrounds and in 2025 to the Summit Sport and Recreation Park (SSRP).

Keith Stepheson Park and Mount Barker Showgrounds no longer have the capacity and/or can safety support fireworks.

While the SSRP was selected as a preferred venue location for accommodating fireworks because of its capacity to hold large crowds, manage traffic and parking and provide safe fireworks launch zone areas, concerns have been raised about the impact of fireworks on neighbouring livestock and native wildlife, particularly around the nearby Laratinga Wetlands.

While fireworks are supported by sections of the community, they also are a concern for other sections.

In May 2026, Council resolved to undertake community engagement to better understand community sentiment before deciding about fireworks on public land.

Have your say

Council is seeking feedback from the community on whether they support fireworks on public land as part of community events or not and why, providing suggestions to suitable public land options for fireworks if supported.

Community feedback will help Council understand the community’s views on whether fireworks should occur and where they may be appropriate.

You can have your say by:

What happens next

The outcomes of engagement will be presented to Council to support informed decision-making about future fireworks events on public land across the district.

Page last updated: 23 Sep 2026, 12:27 PM