Complaint to council threatens Gold Coast Christmas lights display
The organisers behind a popular Christmas lights display are threatening to axe it after a neighbour complained to council. WHAT DO YOU THINK? VOTE IN OUR POLL
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The organisers behind a popular Gold Coast Christmas lights display are threatening to pull the plug after a neighbour complained to city council about “light nuisance”.
Each year hundreds of people visit the lights show at Boydaw Rd, Ormeau, which has attracted a fan following of more than 500 people on Facebook.
In a statement posted on the Boydaw Rd Lights Facebook page on Monday, organisers said they were reviewing the display’s future after a complaint was made.
“Extremely disappointed to type this, but a complaint was made to Gold Coast City Council for ‘light nuisance’,” the statement read.
“We actually get asked quite often what our neighbours thought of our show, and from the conversations we’ve had with just about the entire street, they’ve been incredibly supportive. “We were asked to turn down the music once, which we did without hesitation, and we have kept our show times at what we considered to be reasonably family friendly times, finishing before 9pm on weekdays, and before 9.30pm on weekends.”
The statement went on to say organisers would make a long-term decision about the display following the complaint.
The lights show will finish at the earlier time of just after 8pm for the remainder of this festive season.
“It’s a pretty gutting feeling to now have to consider whether to persist or not, but at this stage, I am leaning towards not,” it read.
“We don’t have any interest in putting in the time and effort that this show requires, only to upset people.
“As disappointed and disheartened by this as we are, we are truly thankful for the support from everyone who has come and checked a show out, especially those who have come along multiple times each week and seen every show.”
The Bulletin has contacted the organisers for further comment.
A Gold Coast City Council spokeswoman confirmed it had “provided advice regarding homeowner obligations” after it received a complaint about the Ormeau display.
“The city responds to light nuisance complaints and investigates as appropriate,” she said.
“The city will not be pursuing further action unless additional complaints are received and an investigation is required.”
Fans of the lights show have pleaded with organisers to keep it going.
“So very sad, there is always someone that spoils the fun for so many others. I would keep going,” one social media user wrote.
“I’m so sorry to hear this guys, definitely not deserved and very surprising given a large portion of our street is lit up. I hope you continue, it brings so much joy to everyone,” another wrote.
Many accused the complaining neighbour of being a Christmas “Grinch”.
“I’m the biggest Grinch on the street and I even come out and watch them so can’t be that bad,” one neighbour wrote.
“Wonder what these people complain about for the other 11 months in a year. What a Grinch,” one man said.
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Originally published as Complaint to council threatens Gold Coast Christmas lights display
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