Local outrage after Bayside Council unveils ‘small, disappointing’ Christmas tree

A southern Sydney council has reinstated its traditional Christmas trees – after canning the festive display last year – with reality falling rather short of expectations. Here’s what the locals think.

The holiday spirit has soured across southern Sydney after a local council’s Christmas tree fell well short of expectations.

Bayside locals have been left underwhelmed by the “sad, little” Christmas tree installed by Bayside Council at Ramsgate Beach, venting their frustrations across local community pages.

Former councillor Anne Field has described it as a textbook case of over-promising and underdelivering.

“Oh my god … it’s quite inappropriate in size and I think it’s a pity,” Ms Field said.

“The residents fought hard to get Christmas decorations and I think that’s probably a very poor effort at a Christmas tree.

The Ramsgate Beach Christmas tree was ripped to shreds on a local community page. Picture: Facebook

“I’ve seen Christmas trees in many overseas countries and they’re usually large and impressive, and this one is small, disappointing and insignificant.”

Residents took particular issue with the small white fence installed around the tree, reportedly to prevent people from touching the decorations, labelling it as a “mockery” and “stupid”.

“The fence should be further away from the tree, it looks cramped and the tree looks tiny,” one local commented.

“I mean, is the fence to stop dogs from having a wee on it? Truly, I tell you I’ve just got no idea (why it’s there),” Ms Field added.

“Wow, they may as well have not bothered. What a sad little tree that is,” another local wrote.

The outrage comes after the council promised to reinstate traditional trees at Ramsgate Beach, Brighton-Le-Sands Rockdale, Mascot, Bexley and Botany for the 2024 holiday season.

Last year, council was labelled a “Grinch” for canning the popular trees in favour of giant Christmas bauble decorations, which sparked mixed reactions and a 500-strong petition to bring back the beloved festive tradition.

At the time, council said the trees were not installed because the decorations were too old and needed replacing.

The Christmas tree at Ramsgate Beach in 2022. Picture: Kim Yeld

Decorations from 2023 when Christmas trees were canned by council.

The giant Christmas baubles sparked mixed reactions but will remain part of the council display.

However, council conducted a “comprehensive review” of all the decorations to be used for the 2024 season in the hopes of ending the saga.

As a result of the review, a new set of Christmas trees were ordered to replace the retired ones and the baubles were also maintained after proving popular for photos.

Promotion materials released earlier this month spruiked the reinstated trees as “magical” and “colourful”.

“Bayside will be spreading plenty of Christmas cheer this year with six new Christmas trees installed around Bayside as part of council’s Christmas program,” the council statement read.

“Each -high tree will be decorated with vibrant LEDs and sparking ornaments that will help create a magical Christmas atmosphere in Bayside.

The council’s Christmas plans also include the return of their ‘Christmas Nights’ events, with live music performances and festive movie screenings scheduled across the suburb in December, and the iconic Carols by the Sea.

A Christmas Card and Street Flag Design competition will be back alongside the Christmas lights contest – which promises $5000 in prize money for up to five winning displays in a bid to lift holiday spirits.