City of Mandurah councillors are counting the cost of their plan to become the state’s “capital of Christmas”.
During the past seven years, the local government has been decorating the coastal city with Christmas themed lights and ornaments from November to January.
Now, councillors are looking to outline clear funding constraints and strategic direction for the festive practice in an attempt to bring benefits to Mandurah’s business sector and community.
Read more: Could Mandurah be the capital of Christmas?
Councillors will deliberate over expanding the ratepayer-funded annual tradition at their next meeting on June 26.
In a report presented to the elected representatives in early June, three recommendations were put to councillors.
City of Mandurah officers suggested councillors support a plan to implement a festive display that flows from one side of the city’s centre through to the other.
The second recommendation proposed council noted that $150,000 had been listed in the 2018/2019 draft budget for their “Christmas Decoration Plan”.
The proposed schedule of costs will be revised to match the approved funding outcome in the 2018/2019 budget process.
Lastly, councillors will debate whether they should approve an approach to Western Power to change the ownership of street lights within the city centre.
The change of ownership would see 77 street lights move from a Western Power asset to the hands of the City of Mandurah.
The report also suggested that a number of new decorations would need to be purchased each year to achieve the festive vision for the city.
“Residents and visitors to Mandurah have come to expect Christmas decorations,” the report stated.
“It is important to ensure that the ultimate design for the decorations flows from one side of the city centre through to the other, allowing residents and visitors the ultimate experience when visiting the area.”
The topic of continuing to bring the community all the festive bells and whistles has been in councillors’ sights for months.
In February, City of Mandurah representatives held a community meeting to discuss decorations across the city during the Christmas period.
During the meeting, more than 80 residents brainstormed festive theme opportunities to boost Christmas spirit.
A detailed canal tour map, highlighting the Christmas light hotspots was among the ideas shared.
While the recommendations were well received by council at a meeting on June 12, the final decision is expected to be handed down after their official vote on June 26.
Town ward councillor Peter Rogers spoke in favour of the expansion when it arose at council’s last meeting, stating the funding was a “small price to pay” to spark Christmas spirit in the community.