Cairns is home to some of Australia’s most vulnerable wildlife, including the endangered Spectacled Flying-Fox, microbat species, coastal shorebirds, and many native mammals and birds.

Yet private fireworks are now being set off more often for birthdays, small gatherings, sporting wins, and random celebrations. These unpredictable explosions cause severe stress, panic flights, injuries, and even deaths in wildlife. They also frighten animals, disturb families, and create unnecessary noise in residential areas.

We, the residents and supporters of Cairns, call on Cairns Regional Council to:

• Introduce firework-free wildlife protection zones within 2 km of sensitive areas such as the Cairns Esplanade, Centenary Lakes, Cattana Wetlands, Palm Cove foreshore, major bird rookeries and flying-fox camps. 
• Ban private fireworks in residential areas.
• Allow fireworks only at approved council-run events under controlled, wildlife-safe conditions.

Cairns has a national responsibility to protect its wildlife. These simple, targeted regulations will reduce harm while still allowing safe, predictable celebrations for our community.

Please sign and share to urge Cairns Regional Council to act now.