By KATH GANNAWAY
ORGANISERS of the WHYLD Winter Warmer planned for this weekend have moved to allay concerns of horse owners about a planned fireworks display on Sunday 21 June.
Horse-owners within ear-shot of the Wickhams Road Reserve in Launching Place told the Mail last week some horses were particularly vulnerable to being spooked by fireworks and said they feared the event could lead to injuries.
Event organiser Mary Knoll, from community group ‘WHYLD’ (Woori Yallock, Hoddles Creek, Yellingbo, Launching Place and Don Valley), said the event had been in the planning for over a year and that property owners had been advised several weeks ago of the fireworks.
She said, however, that in responses to the concerns raised with them by a number of horse owners, the WHYLD committee had moved to downgrade the fireworks display.
“It will now be a low-noise fireworks display, so there will be no big bangs,” Ms Knoll said.
Dallas Barber who has a horse nearby, told the Mail she believed Wickhams Reserve was just the wrong place for fireworks, given its proximity to horse properties.
She said, however, that while she was still apprehensive, she appreciated that the WHYLD committee had worked to address some of the concerns raised.
“I’m pleased they are being considerate of the potential impact that loud fireworks could have on horses,” she said.
“Perhaps, in the future a different venue could be considered.”
Yarra Ranges Council’s Social and Economic Development director Ali Wastie said the fireworks were being conducted by a registered pyrotechnic company and that WHYLD had taken reasonable steps to ensure their event was conducted safely.
“WHYLD has worked with the appropriate authorities, including Worksafe and the CFA, to comply with all statutory requirements,” Ms Wastie said.
