The shutdowns have upset the owners and visitors.
The night sky will be a little less bright in Victoria this Christmas due to two councils pulling the plug on two major Christmas light displays in Melbourne.
Earlier this week, a massive display in Narre Warren was forced to close after the council demanded tens of thousands of dollars to cover traffic management costs and public liability insurance.
Now, a second display has been cancelled for the same reason. The Banyule City Council classified a display in St Helena as an event, and the organisers are unable to pay the high fees associated with holding an authorised event.
The display, which has been running almost 20 years, has raised more than $18,000 for the Make a Wish Foundation, and the organisers are ‘sad’ that they are unable to operate.
“Most of you are aware we have had to fight hard over the last few years for our lights to go ahead, with our sole intention being to raise money for the Make A Wish Foundation and put smiles on the faces of families at a happy time of year,” they posted on their Facebook page.
“Due to the large amount of attendees we now have at our lights display, we are now considered a public event and the costs involved for licences and public liability are costing us thousands each year…”
“So, after 18 years of Christmas light displays, raising over $18,000, thousands of people supporting us and in attendance over the years, hours and hours in correspondence with council to fight for the go ahead and the money we have outlaid to make it happen, we have decided to take a break and spend the lead up to Christmas with our loved ones.”
The councils are yet to comment on the closures.
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Written by Kate Stevens
Images: Facebook – Allumba Drive, St Helena Chrismtas Display
