THE $540,000 contract to store and install the city’s floating Christmas tree has been terminated.
The company responsible for the tree, Creative Production Services (CPS), told the city it wanted to get out of its contract because the price was too low.
Council decided last night to end the four year contract and investigate alternative means of installing the tree for this year’s Christmas celebrations.
CPS is already in a legal dispute with Geelong’s Hanlon Industries over $180,000 Hanlon says it is still owed for its part in constructing the tree.
A report to council warned that alternative arrangements would likely result in an increased cost to the city for storing and installing the tree on an annual basis.
“Consideration is being given to alternate ways of delivering the tree, in particular land based options,” the report said.
“To establish indicative costing for a land based option, further work is being undertaken to identify a suitable location.
“The tree is significant in size, 25 metres high, weighs approximately 10 tons and is 10 metres wide at its base.
“Structural engineering advice is needed to ensure appropriately designed stable and secure footings and to ensure stability against storms and strong winds.
“In addition, alternative transport options need to be explored and other matters such as security, electricity and public safety need to be considered and costed.
“There is not expected to be any savings in the first year, if the tree is placed on land.”
A spokesperson said council intended to install the floating tree for this Christmas period.
The report said more than 30,000 people attended the lighting ceremony for the tree at Christmas last year.
Another 150,000 people visited the Tree during the Christmas period with the Tree and Central Geelong Christmas activities attracting 250,000 people into the city.
