No jingles in Main St

While Lakeside has seen its share of Christmas decorations, Main Street has missed out. 188660_01

By Rowan Forster

Cardinia Shire allocated more than $17,000 to 10 community groups across the region for Christmas decorations this year, but Main Street appears to have slipped through the cracks.

The revelation comes after the council has again been labelled a “festive Scrooge” by ratepayers – many of whom are unaware of the new grant allocation initiative.

Under the scheme, which was ticked off by councillors earlier this year, the responsibility of spreading Christmas joy was palmed off to community groups.

Council’s general manager of community wellbeing Kristen Jackson described it as a “community-led” method.

“Taking a community-led approach has enabled council to distribute funds and spread the festive cheer across the shire,” she said.

“These decorations can be found across retail precincts, in prominent community locations and residential areas in Lang Lang, Koo Wee Rup, Upper Beaconsfield, Lakeside, Pakenham, Emerald and Gembrook.”

In the application process, non-for-profit groups were asked to nominate a precinct or area they would decorate.

Rumours suggest that Main Street was overlooked.

In contrast, the Lakeside Residents Group has taken to the streets in Lakeside, beautifying shopfront windows and placing decorations.

Residents have even taken it upon themselves to bring some seasonal spirit to Main Street.

In previous years, the council has outlined concerns with decorating Main Street – particularly in relation to infrastructure it does not own.

To attach a plush Santa or a line of tinsel to an electricity pole, the council would need to apply for a permit from SP Ausnet.

Traders and shoppers hope that council’s Christmas decoration grants are refined by next year to ensure Main Street isn’t left out.

“It’s the most important part of the shire, so it should take priority,” Danielle Edwards said.

“It’s a bit glum and depressing when you compare it to some of the other suburbs that have stars and huge Christmas trees.”