Palmerston council's $45,000 cyclone-proof Christmas tree
A local council in the Top End has unveiled its brand new $45,000 Christmas tree which it says can withstand a cyclone.
But not all residents in the council's jurisdiction have been filled with Christmas cheer with news of the tree's price tag.
Erected in Palmerston's Goyder Square, the tree has a steel frame cone-shaped interior, reaching up to a 10-metre high cone and is weighted down by a concrete block.
Local artist Techy Masero was commissioned to design and build the tree and has decorated it with greenery, garlands of lights, and real pine cones.
The tree was installed because of a demand for more impressive Christmas decorations from Palmerston residents, Mayor Ian Abbott said.
"There certainly has been requests for a greater impact in regards to Christmas decorations in the CBD.
"We've had decorations and they can be quite an expensive venture so what we decided for the purpose of longevity ... that we would actually put up a Christmas tree that would last quite a number of years."
Some have criticised the price tag of the tree on the council's Facebook page.
"I personally think there is something seriously wrong with their priorities when they are more focused on $45,000 Christmas trees ... than addressing a serious issue in our community," said one commenter.
But the council said the "beautiful symbol of Christmas" was intended to inspire "a sense a joy and community spirit".
It is the first Christmas tree for the satellite city, about 20 kilometres south-east of Darwin.
As well as sweltering heat and a humid monsoonal season, the tree must also be able to withstand cyclones with potential wind gusts of around 230km/h.
Cyclone Tracy, which devastated Darwin on Christmas Eve 1974 and left only the toughest buildings standing, ensured Darwin and its surrounding suburbs were forced into strict building codes which still exist today.
On Facebook, the council said the cost-benefits of a cyclone-proof Christmas tree are sound and will last into the future.
"The tree itself should have a life span of 10 years, it is made to be cyclone proof and designed to encourage safe enjoyment," the council said.
"We anticipate that the decorations will be changed every two to three years to keep the tree fresh and exciting for our youngest residents."
