Hobart's $35,000 Christmas decorations come under fire
It’s that time of year when the streets are decked with festive lights, carolers fill the shopping centres and Christmas trees are unveiled. But, according to social media followers of Hobart City Council, the streets of Salamanca Place are anything but festive.
Hobart City Council have erected a giant blue light up Christmas tree, which according to comments on social media, is “possibly the worst Christmas decorations in the country.”
In an announcement on the council’s Facebook page, the tree “utilises a brand new technology called LED Rope Light… up cycled from Syrup Nightclub minimising the environmental impact.”
The council have revealed they paid $35,000 for the less-than-impressive decorations, leaving local tax payers furious.
"Our council officers designed, created and built this particular Christmas tree and we think it's a really modern and trendy addition in this fairly funky area," says Lord Mayor Sue Hickey.
Ron Christie, head of the creative team on Hobart City Council, has hit back at public criticism with a hint of satire. "People don’t realise it’s there at first as it blends in with the street lights and garbage bins and then suddenly BAM! They get smacked on the forehead with some creative genius. I mean it is beautiful and replicas are available from Shiploads for $5.75," he said on the council Facebook page.
But that hasn’t stopped locals from criticizing the town’s new festive face lift. Geelong Major Darryn Lyons has even gotten involved. Geelong Council spent a whopping $1 million on a 25-metre tall floating tree. The Major tweeted:
“Hanahahahah hilliarious [sic]”
The conversation continued with hundreds of people taking aim at Hobart’s Christmas decoration fail.
“$35 K for this ? Words fail me - yet again. I've got an old welding kit in my shed - could have knocked this up for less than a grand” – Reg Watson
“$35,000...... tell him he's dreaming......” - Andrew Chamberlain
“ This is so embarrassing, not to mention a crime against Christmas! Someone with zero taste signed off on this.” – Elli Koumos
“ I showed my 8yo, to get her opinion: "that's not even a tree". Ouch.” – Charles Gregory
“Wait, that's a Christmas display and not a bunch of rubbish left out for council collection!?!?” – Craig Frankin
“Hideous joke. Only one laughing is the provider. Well that's Christmas ruined for the kids. “ – Audrey Collins
"Looking at the materials and assembly, I'd say somebody's just made off with about $34,000. No , Hobart. You can do better.” - katherinemrohan.
"That is quite literally the worst attempt at a Christmas tree I have ever seen. I wouldn't care except that this not only cost ratepayers money but if the council thinks this represents a new modern Hobart, I shudder to think what their plans are a ongoing new modern local development." – Ben Cameron
Tell us: Do you think these Christmas decorations are festive, or a fail?
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