By JOHN VAN KLAVEREN
GEELONG’S new floating Christmas tree will become one of the tallest structures along the city’s waterfront, secret photographs reveal.
The Independent this week obtained a sneak peak of the fabulous addition to the bay as it was being prepared for next Friday’s official launch.
The pictures show the 25-metre-high tree being assembled in three main parts at a secret location where workers are applying the finishing touches.
The tree, which will cost ratepayers $320,000, features 10,000 moving and shimmering kinetic discs covering its exterior.
The tree has been decorated with stars ranging in sizes from 1m to 3m. A giant star on top spans 3.8m.
Mayor Darryn Lyons said he was “a bit disappointed” the tree had been revealed before its official launch next Friday evening.
“I want it to be a big Christmas surprise,” Cr Lyons said.
“It’s been talked about a lot, so there are great expectations around Geelong, Australia and indeed the world, so perhaps it was bound to happen.
“There has been a tremendous amount of interest, so I hope the early revelation will spark even more excitement.
“As great as it looks in the daytime, people should be there for the big switch-on. It’s going to look a lot different next Friday evening.”
Cr Lyons said the tree would “reflect nature’s beauty” during the day but would come into its own at night with a “totally different sphere of smart lighting technology”.
“This will be a global beacon and if you’re not there you will miss history,” he said.
“I really would like the kids to come out and have a look. There’ll be loads of surprises for the kids on the night because Christmas is all about the kids.
Cr Lyons said the tree would “come alive” in a spectacular light show at 8.30pm.
“We’ve got a whole lighting ceremony planned and I’d love to see as many people as we can possibly fit to watch Geelong get the Christmas it deserves.
“It will be Australia’s first floating Christmas tree and tallest outdoor Christmas tree. I’m so excited for the community to see it sparkle in Corio Bay.”
Cr Lyons said the tree featured 400m of LED lighting.
“At night there will be three amazing light shows starting from 8.30pm running every half an hour that will draw huge crowds into the CBD,” Cr Lyons said.
“You can also download Christmas music that is synchronised to the light show via centralgeelong.com.au”
