Yea Police officer-in-charge Sgt Steve Carden says that the operator of fireworks at a Molesworth camp earlier this month, did have all necessary permits.

Sgt Carden said today (Mon., Jan. 14) that a proper Country Fire Authority permit to conduct the fireworks was held for the display that took place on Saturday, January 5. The display was part of the Camporee held by the Seventh-Day Adventist Church.

The fireworks took place in a week of extremely hot weather and had drawn criticism from local residents.

Sgt Carden said that the fireworks had been “legal”, and that the operator also held the proper Work Safe certificate, and civil aviation clearance.

This fresh advice by Police today conflicts with the advice supplied to The Local Paper by the Council.

Earlier, Murrindindi Council told The Local Paper in a written statement: “Council will be following up with the organisers of the event following reports of fireworks being lit,” said Chris Price, Co-Ordinator Community Safety, Murrindindi Shire Council.

“Whilst Council, after consultation with other agencies, did grant a permit for the event, no permit was issued that allowed fireworks to take place,” Mr Price said.

The Local Paper had correctly reported on January 5 that the organisers had successfully applied for a permit to conduct the display using devices containing gunpowder and other combustible chemicals which causes explosions when ignited.

Local residents were sensitive to the fireworks, given that the previous day was a day of Total Fire Ban, and local temperatures had reached a maximum exceeding 42°.

“It was from the camp at Molesworth. Stupidly a permit was issued. Local CFA was not advised as we would have insisted it not proceeded,” said John Canny on the Alexandra 3714 Community News page on Facebook.

“Fireworks are illegal full stop,” said resident Karen Morrison.

“”I rang the Police and they said because it wasn’t a total fire ban it’s all OK and yes they do have a permit from the council,” said Barb McLean on the night.