GEELONG’S floating Christmas tree will cost ratepayers an extra $90,000 but will be worth it, claims Mayor Darryn Lyons.
Council this week approved extra funds to deliver the tree as the centrepiece of this year’s Christmas celebrations.
The $90,000 will cover costs associated with installing, dismantling and storing the tree, as well as measures to ensure public safety during the nights of high visitation to the Waterfront and Geelong CBD.
More than $32,000 will be allocated to traffic management, increased security and additional public toilets on selected nights to cater for the expected crowds.
Cr Lyons said the floating Christmas tree delivered significant economic benefits.
“Last year’s floating Christmas tree generated $2.4 million in media coverage,” he said.
“Central Geelong Christmas activities brought around 250,000 people into the CBD and generated an economic output of $18 million.
“It created a huge response on social media with #GeelongChristmas attracting 79 million impressions on Twitter and 2 million impressions on Instagram.”
Cr Lyons said many local businesses had reported a spike in trade while the tree was on display.
“A number of Waterfront businesses doubled their casual and part-time staff for the seven-week period that the Christmas tree was in place.
“Blis Ice Cream Shop, Panache and Sailor’s Rest told us 120 extra jobs were created during this period,” he added.
