CRACKER NIGHT COULD BACKFIRE ON GUNNER

ASMOKE cloud hangs heavy over Chief Minister Michael Gunner’s decision to choose August 29 as the date Territorians will be able to celebrate Territory Day with the ritual blowing up of fireworks.

Mr Gunner will end up badly burned if Territorians find that dangerous fire conditions put a halt to the celebrations.

There are serious concerns about the risk of fires wreaking havoc on the night, and the spate of serious bushfires over the past week have only added to those concerns.

Humpty Doo, Gunn Point Rd and Rum Jungle have been the scene of ferocious blazes within just 24 hours of each other and fire experts are warning of the dangerous conditions continuing.

It is not surprising that the Chief Minister’s captain’s call has been lashed as “insanity” by one Humpty Doo resident and environmental scientist Pauline Cass. Her home came close to being razed by a bushfire last August.

The choice of August 29 as a day to be letting off fireworks was always a bad and ill-thought-out decision.

On the same date 12 months ago, Darwin and its surrounds faced some of the worst conditions possible.

Clearly not enough consultation, if any, with those who deal with fire emergencies has taken place.

August 29 was selected as the new date so the Territory could join with the annual Freedom Day festival.

This marks the birth of the Aboriginal land rights movement, when Vincent Lingiari walked off the Wave Hill cattle station and demanded improved pay and work conditions. No one could argue this is not a worthy cause.

It is a historic point in the Territory and the nation’s history that most certainly should be celebrated and celebrated loudly – but just not with fireworks. It is at the peak of the fire season.

If we could not celebrate Territory Day on its traditional day then it should have been a wet season event.

We understand that it would be highly embarrassing if a third date had to be selected by the Chief Minister for Territory Day.

But the pressure is growing, and more voices, including those of Darwin councils, are raising their concerns.

There is nothing wrong with admitting you got it wrong and you have decided to err on the side of caution.

After all, it is for everyone’s safety.

Mr Gunner has promised one hell of a party for Territory Day on August 29. Let’s hope he doesn’t burn down the house doing it.