The Boulevard Christmas lights Ivanhoe: security could be stepped up over terrorist fears

SECURITY at one of Melbourne’s longest-running and most popular Christmas lights displays could be stepped up to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars amid fears it could become a terrorist target.

The Boulevard Christmas lights have been running since the 1950s and attract thousands of people each year.

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EVENTS targeting pedestrians such as the Bourke St massacre have prompted security fears for the iconic Christmas lights display in The Boulevard in Ivanhoe.

A risk assessment by Banyule Council had identified “heightened concern” around the popular event, which attracts crowds of up to 5000 a night.

Pedestrians and motorists share the road during the event, prompting heightened fears of a terrorist attack. Picture: Ian Currie

People come from far and wide to see the display. Picture: Ian Currie

The council is now considering spending $66,000 on traffic control, improved pedestrian access and risk management including ways to protect “crowded places from terrorism”.

Long-time resident Perry Labiris, who has been decorating his house for 25 years, was shocked, saying he had never considered the event would be a possible terrorist target.

“I like to believe in the best of people and something like this I can never possibly see happening, it never crossed my mind,” Mr Labiris said.

Long-time participant Perry Labiris hopes any new security measures won’t be overkill. Picture: Richard Serong

Mr Labiris said he was happy with traffic arrangements for the event where pedestrians and motorists shared the road.

“If somebody thinks they need to install barriers, that is fine by me, but I never thought it would get to this,” he said.

Mr Labiris said he understood the council’s concerns but hoped they would not “go over the top” with security at the event.

Tens of thousands of people visit The Boulevard each Christmas. Picture: Ian Currie

The stepped-up security measures will be discussed at the next Banyule council meeting. Picture: Ian Currie

“If there are armed guards on every street it might deter people from coming and put the fear in people,” he said.

“They could kill this if they overdo it, because people get scared.”

Concrete bollards were installed in the CBD in the wake of the Bourke St attack. Picture: Stuart McEvoy

The council is also considering moving traders and buskers off the street and into nearby Ivanhoe Park to reduce crowding, sparking concerns from groups including Eaglemont Scouts, which are worried about lost revenue.

The council will consider changes at its next meeting ahead of this year’s event, which is already patrolled by police and security officers.

A council report said a survey of more than 500 residents had generated a positive response to the proposed changes.