Community outraged after Aussie council's notice to remove Christmas lights
Tis the season for neighbourhood complaints, as one Aussie shares with Yahoo.
An Aussie community is in uproar after their beloved 'House of Lights' has been forced to shut down some of its Christmas decorations by council.
The young family — who were nominated for South East Queensland's best Christmas lights of 2022 and have a Facebook group dedicated to the display — were reported by a "grinch" and told to move back their decorations or else be fined.
Jamie Lehmann took to social media on Thursday to share the news of this outcome. The video has since been viewed over 700,000 times. "It was a kick in the guts," Lehmann told Yahoo News Australia. "It's just not very Christmassy".
When contacted by Yahoo, the Brisbane City Council said they "did not advise" Lehmann to completely remove the display but "did require a minor adjustment". "It was the residents' decision not to make this adjustment," Chair for City Standards, Councillor Kim Marx, told Yahoo.
'No negotiating' with council after notice
On Wednesday, the council had "popped around" to the home in Coopers Plains to discuss a complaint they had received about the family's lights, then left a calling card. After ringing the council to follow up, Lehmann was told the officer would be in touch with him.
The very next morning, around 7am, Lehmann saw the officer outside and went out to chat. It was then he said he found out the council wanted all the lights and decorations removed, up to their mailbox, to leave room for a footpath — regardless of the 1.3-metre wide path that was left by the family already.
"Everything had to be removed, there wasn't any negotiating at all," Lehmann said.
'It just seemed to go on deaf ears'
After trying to offer solutions that would allow the family to keep their massive display, Lehmann said there was no other option accepted. "It just seemed to go on deaf ears," he added.
Yahoo understands that this situation came about after more than one complaint from residents worried about accessing public walkways — though Lehmann notes their side of the road is only grass, with no concrete path anyway.
The council have since said they aim "to work with the resident to create a safe display before taking any further action".
Christmas lights are for the community
In its second year at this size, Lehmann, his partner Laeticia Lay, and their family have spent countless hours, money, and effort setting up their display — something they like to do for their community.
"We take pride in our Christmas lights, we sit there and do this to keep the community happy," Lehmann said. "I just want the council to reconsider".
Reactions were scathing from community members who disagreed with the decision, with some locals offering to start a petition against the removal of any lights.
"You are doing great things for the community and our Christmas will be different without your lights!!" one person shared.
"I'm devastated, I love your house. Thank you for bringing magic for the children and adults at Christmas," replied another.
Do you have a story about your local council? Contact reporter Laura Koefoed at laura.koefoed@yahooinc.com
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What are the rules for festive decorations in Brisbane?
Brisbane City Council has introduced what's called 'the Festive Footpaths program', which allows residents to decorate their footpaths and street trees during designated periods.
"Christmas is a special time of the year and we really support residents decorating their homes and street trees but public areas must remain safe and accessible," Councillor Marx said.
According to the checklist found on the council's website, decorations must:
Only be displayed during the prescribed festive period.
Not obstruct or create a hazard on the footpath for pedestrians (including people using a wheelchair), cyclists or people alighting from a vehicle.
Not be placed on or obstruct any other infrastructure on the footpath such as power poles, manholes, underground services, bus shelters, bike racks etc.
Not harm wildlife or result in the pollution of the local environment.
Not obstruct the visibility of motorists using the road, entering or exiting a residential driveway.
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