RSHQ intercepts illegal fireworks in joint border operation
More than 70 kilograms of illegal fireworks have been seized by the state's fireworks regulator at the Queensland-Northern Territory border.
Operation Bright Sky is run annually by Resources Safety and Health Queensland (RSHQ) with assistance from the Queensland Police Service and the Northern Territory Police Force, following Cracker Night in the Northern Territory.
During Cracker Night each year, anyone in the NT is allowed to detonate fireworks without the need for a licence or specialist training, however, leftover fireworks are often brought into Queensland illegally following the event.
This year's joint operation saw a decrease in the number of fireworks seized at the border, after a campaign to spread awareness about the penalties and dangers.
The maximum penalty for possessing illegal fireworks in Queensland is 6 months imprisonment, or a fine of $66,760, however there is no penalty if illegal fireworks are handed over willingly.
RSHQ's Chief Inspector of Explosives Hermann Fasching said the goal of the operation was not to punish people, but to keep the community safe.
"We saw people seriously burned and fires started as a result of people using fireworks in the Northern Territory last week without a licence, and we don't want to see similar injuries or incidents here in Queensland," said Mr Fasching.
"Even some of the travellers surrendering their fireworks at the border told us they were injured when trying to use the explosives during Cracker Night.
"Fireworks in untrained hands have also led to permanent scarring and blindness in recent years in Queensland.
"That's why we sit at the border each year, with the help of police, to educate travellers and give people the opportunity to surrender fireworks as they enter Queensland before anyone gets hurt.
"It's great to see less people carrying illegal fireworks into our state this year and we hope to see less and less of these in the community as the years go on."
Previous Operation Bright Sky results:
- 2025: 70.15kg of fireworks seized
- 2024: 92kg of fireworks seized
- 2023: 45kg of fireworks seized.
Fireworks without a licence have been illegal in Queensland since 1972.
The surrendered fireworks from Operation Bright Sky are taken to an RSHQ explosives reserve and destroyed.
N.B. Footage, photos and an interview from Operation Bright Sky 2025 are available on request
ENDS
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Amy McCann
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Last updated: 08 Jul 2025