Christmas 2019: Council spending figures on decorations in Melbourne’s east revealed
Councils in Melbourne’s leafy east have spent big on Christmas decorations, decking out streets, shopping strips and halls. Find out how lavish your council has been this year.
Inner East
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Two councils in Melbourne’s inner east are in a festive mood and have splashed more than $300,000 each on Christmas decorations this year.
Boroondara Council ($314,000) and its neighbour in Stonnington ($300,000) are the most generous spenders for 2019 following a Leader investigation.
Boroondara took the crown after the council upped its spending by almost $23,000 this year as part of its Christmas activations program.
In comparison, Stonnington spent $75,000 less than last year, when it had extra design and production costs.
The council’s chief executive, Jacqui Weatherill, said Christmas was a time for Stonnington’s community to come together and celebrate.
“It’s also an important time for our 27 vibrant retail locations and precincts, and we work with precinct associations to ensure decorations complement and activate their local areas to bring people into Stonnington for their Christmas shopping,” she said.
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At the other end, Manningham Council has only spent its usual $16,000 around town this year.
The council has also cut costs by not printing lyric books for their annual Carols By Candlelight on December 13 to reduce its environmental impact.
Maroondah and Whitehorse councils both allocated cash for repairs or replacements this year.
Maroondah has spent an extra $38,000 on new banners, pole toppers and bin surrounds on top of its usual $46,000 spend.
Whitehorse spent its usual $56,000 - with $16,000 going towards new decorations and repairs.
Monash Council was unchanged with its usual $78,000 spend, while Knox and Yarra Ranges councils did not provide Leader with its figures.
Yarra Ranges communities director Greg Box said it supported business and township groups “with advice and approvals, rather than financially”.
Knox Mayor Nicole Seymour said the council had a nativity scene at the front of its Wantirna South civic centre.
2019 COUNCIL CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS SPENDS IN MELBOURNE’S EAST:
Boroondara: $314,000
Stonnington: $300,000
Maroondah: $84,000
Monash: $78,000
Whitehorse: $56,000
Manningham: $16,000
Knox and Yarra Ranges: Did not provide figures