Protect Your Holiday Joy! Discover How a Local Councillor Might Crush Perth's Cherished Christmas Tradition!

As the festive season approaches, the streets of Perth usually twinkle with the warm glow of Christmas lights, a tradition that brings joy and a sense of community to the residents. However, this year, the beloved custom faces an unexpected challenge that could dim the holiday spirit.

Town of Cambridge Councillor Gavin Foley has recently sparked controversy by proposing a motion to halt the annual Christmas light display, raising concerns about environmental impact and financial expenditure. The councillor's environmental argument points to the energy consumption of the lights, which he claims contributes to the problem of fossil fuel use.



'Anybody that puts multiple coloured lights on a tree and plugs it into the power at home, that's fossil-fuelled, is adding to the problem,' Foley stated, highlighting the need for more sustainable practices.


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Perth's Christmas tree at Lake Monger Drive is facing an uncertain future. Credit: Town of Cambridge Council


In addition to environmental concerns, Foley also questioned the financial wisdom of the tradition, noting that the nearly $27,000 spent on the decorations could be redirected to other community needs.



The Christmas tree in question has not been spared from the debate, having suffered damage due to the festive adornments. As a result, the council has decided to use an alternative tree this December. With the fate of this year's Christmas light display hanging in the balance, a crucial vote was set to take place on October 22.

The situation in Perth serves as a microcosm of a larger conversation about tradition versus sustainability. While the councillor's concerns are valid in an age where environmental consciousness is more important than ever, many residents feel that the Christmas lights are an integral part of the holiday experience, fostering goodwill and bringing people together.

It's a delicate balance between preserving cherished customs and adapting to the pressing needs of our planet. As we move forward, communities will need to find innovative ways to maintain their traditions in an eco-friendly manner. This could include using LED lights, which consume less energy, or even exploring solar-powered options.



The debate also opens up a discussion about the allocation of public funds. Should tradition take precedence over other community projects, or is it time to reassess our priorities in light of economic and environmental challenges?

As seniors who have witnessed many a holiday season, we understand the importance of traditions in maintaining the cultural fabric of our society. Yet, we also recognise the need to be stewards of the environment for future generations. It's a tough call, and one that requires thoughtful consideration from all sides.

Key Takeaways

  • A local councillor in the Town of Cambridge, Gavin Foley, has proposed a motion to discontinue a beloved Christmas lights tradition due to environmental concerns and energy consumption.
  • Foley remarked on the detrimental impact of using fossil fuels to power the festive lights, suggesting that it contributes to environmental issues.
  • The councilor also highlighted the financial cost of the decorations, questioning the nearly $27,000 expense and its opportunity cost.
  • The council was set to vote on the motion on October 22, with the potential for changing a long-standing festive custom in Perth.

We invite you, our dear readers, to share your thoughts on this matter. How do you feel about the potential cancellation of Perth's Christmas light tradition? Do you have suggestions for making holiday celebrations more sustainable? Let's have a conversation in the comments below and perhaps together, we can find a solution that keeps the holiday cheer alive without compromising our environmental responsibilities.
 
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FFS, so we just stop Christmas and any other celebration that might chew up a bit of electricity. Good grief, when will it stop. There is no climate emergency, it is fabricated. The solar and wind power is the worst kind of electricity generation ever invented. When the wind turbines blow up and they do regularly, they pull them down and bury them. Not really environmentally friendly. And the solar farms create wild fires. Fill the yard with solar powered lights and trees from the sun, the real sun. Tell these bozos to bugger off. They are a drain on the citizens purse that could be used for better things. Personally I think councils should be shut down and only have two levels of government. Or make them administrative, not law makers and oxygen thieves
 
Why hasn't the council got solar panels on every council owned building to cover most of their power usage and why haven't they changed to LED lights on the festive tree and all their buildings to mitigate power usage by now as we've been in this predicament for a few years now, they should get with the times.
 
Oh dear me another Woke council just like mine Merri bek! It annoys me because slowly but surely our culture, traditions and heritage is being eroded by these pathetic people. Our local shopping centre has two pathetic plastic sort of Christmas supposedly tree!
 
FFS, so we just stop Christmas and any other celebration that might chew up a bit of electricity. Good grief, when will it stop.
What makes you think that they will stop non Judeo-Christian celebrations?

Have you ever heard anyone Woke sugest stopping celebrations of any other religion, gender diverse, non white European, or non Democratic culture group?

But I certainly agree with everything else that you said.
 
Just another Climate Change, Greenie moron attempting to force his beliefs on everyone else!
Christmas traditions in Australia have already been eroded by all the immigrants that come here for a better way of life then complain about our traditions and way of life .
These clowns are destroying Australia!
 
What makes you think that they will stop non Judeo-Christian celebrations?

Have you ever heard anyone Woke sugest stopping celebrations of any other religion, gender diverse, non white European, or non Democratic culture group?

But I certainly agree with everything else that you said.
Seriously? Trumpism! More from the orwellian conspiracy theorists.

There is an explanation of this devious language - "Judeo-Christian"
if your interested - google:-

Is there really such a thing as the "Judeo-Christian tradition"? ABC Religion and Ethics
 
Just another Climate Change, Greenie moron attempting to force his beliefs on everyone else!
Christmas traditions in Australia have already been eroded by all the immigrants that come here for a better way of life then complain about our traditions and way of life .
These clowns are destroying Australia!
I wish you lot would keep your septic tank yank crap in America! You are constantly trying to spruke the brain-washing, recruitment and chaos rubbish here - preying on the vulnerable. Leave your misery for the stupid yanks!
 
Has this idiotic councilor, Gavin Foley contributed anything worthwhile in his portfolio, what ever it may be, to the betterment of the constituents of the township of Cambridge ?

More than likely, his suggestion was the only thing that he could think of to try & make everyone feel miserable.

NOVEZAR.
 
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Ever since I moved to WA in April.

Coincidence?
Hi there, Veggie,
Just getting away from this subject, on one of your previous posts, it sounds very much that you were dealt a really rotten hand of cards relating to the costs, etc., of your divorce, & what it did cost you in the end result.

Losing that amount of your super would have been devastating to you, & what your ex is doing now.
I can totally understand your adjective of her.
Hope that everything is working out "A O'K" for you now & that you're getting back up on your feet & on with your life.
Good luck to you. I'll have beer for you over the chrissy break.

NOVEZAR.
 
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I wish you lot would keep your septic tank yank crap in America! You are constantly trying to spruke the brain-washing, recruitment and chaos rubbish here - preying on the vulnerable. Leave your misery for the stupid yanks!
So I guess you are happy for all our traditions to be eroded, especially Christmas.
Primary schools have already removed the tradition of Christmas from their end of year concerts.
If you don’t like my comments, and I don’t particularly like your, then don’t read them!
 
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Even worse Moreton Bay Council in Queensland is banning the homeless and their pets. This is an absolutely heartless move particularly at Christmas. Where is their compassion? Are they prepared to provide homes for these destitutue people? Banning not only the homeless but their dogs as well. Their animals are often their only companions in a very lonely existence. The same councillors probably live in cosy homes. I have emailed them to say what I consider is a shamefull act. Please do so, if you feel the same.
 
Even worse Moreton Bay Council in Queensland is banning the homeless and their pets. This is an absolutely heartless move particularly at Christmas. Where is their compassion? Are they prepared to provide homes for these destitutue people? Banning not only the homeless but their dogs as well. Their animals are often their only companions in a very lonely existence. The same councillors probably live in cosy homes. I have emailed them to say what I consider is a shamefull act. Please do so, if you feel the same.
I agree with the lack of compassion from council statement but it amazes me how a destitute homeless person can afford to keep and feed a dog!
 

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