‘Plastic Christmas tree is a waste of money’, Mosman councillor says as fairy lights emerge as favoured festive season option

A SYDNEY councillor believes his fellow representatives have a “bah humbug” attitude after they rejected a plan to hire Christmas tree.

MOSMAN councillors were accused by one of their own of having a “bah humbug” attitude last week.

Councillor Simon Menzies spoke out after his plans to erect a giant Christmas tree in Mosman Square for the first time in more than a decade were rejected.

“I tell you what — a month ago when we were talking about this, I was really excited,” he said.

“The ‘bah humbug’ attitude of councillors is very disappointing.”

The Christmas tree was part of a plan to help shake the “Grinch” tag that has long plagued Mosman Council.

But Councillor Libby Moline said hiring a Christmas tree was not the way to go.

A Christmas tree similar to the one in Martin Place is not needed in Mosman, councillors have decided.

“To get a plastic tree for two weeks is just a ridiculous waste of money,” she said.

“I’d prefer to spend the money lighting that tree outside the council office with fairy lights.

“I think that would look absolutely fabulous.”

The move was supported by four other councillors.

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Cr Menzies said under Cr Moline’s plan “the lights come on at 8pm and stay until 10pm” but the Christmas tree would have been in place all day, to benefit children.

“Christmas is all about the kids. Let them celebrate all day,” he said.

Cr Moline said there was still an opportunity for Mosman children to share in the Christmas spirit.

“On Bradleys Head Rd and Prince Albert St, every house along there decorates their house at Christmas time,” she said.

“I do think we’ve got something we’re offering the kids at Christmas.

“I think we leave it to them [Bradleys Head Rd and Prince Albert St homeowners] because they’re all spending their own money.”

Mosman Councillor Libby Moline had been pushing for fairy lights along Military Rd for a number of years.

All councillors agreed on plans to install seven twinkle-lit trees on the veranda of the civic centre, and for that area and the Balmoral ­Rotunda to be bathed in Christmas lights this year.

Fairy lights will also be placed in up to three large street trees along Military Rd. The Mosman Chamber of Commerce were supportive of the lights.

“The fairy lights would add a bit of pizzazz to the shopping strip,” president Pat Purcell said.

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THE cost of hiring a Christmas tree for Mosman Square this festive season was the focus of fierce debate between Mosman councillors last week.

Homeless man Ray Johnson decorated trees outside Mosman Bay wharf with Christmas decorations three years ago.

The majority of councillors baulked at spending an estimated $29,000 hiring a 10m high tree, complete with decorations and lighting.

Instead, councillors’ favoured option was throwing lights on an existing tree.

But homeless man Ray Johnson has shown that it only takes a bit of love and passion to set up a Christmas tree, not thousands of dollars.

Three years ago, Mr Johnson decked out a tree in Avenue Rd, next to Mosman Bay Wharf, with tinsel and ornaments from donations and money he saved.

Mr Johnson said he decorated the tree to “give something back to the Mosman community” and celebrate the Christmas spirit.

He said the tree was well received by residents but he had to stop decorating it once low hanging branches were cut.

However, the Mosman Daily has been told the familiar face is planning an event along Avenue Rd this Christmas.

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