A neighborhood war has broken out over a Brisbane man’s impressive Christmas lights, which he puts on every year to spread joy in his community.
Brisbane resident Jamie Lehmann spends countless hours and invests thousands of dollars every year furnishing his home in Coopers Plains, 14km south of the city’s CBD.
However, his festive tradition hit a snag last Thursday when the city issued an order ordering him to remove the lights and decorations along the walkway in front of his home after a complaint from a neighbor.
“It’s started, another complaint,” he said. “I understand I have the walkway closed at this time. It’s not a footpath anyway. It’s grass.
‘But you just want to whine because I’m doing something for the community.
“One person ruined it for thousands of people. That’s it, I’m done. I’m tired of this nonsense.’
Brisbane man Jamie Lehmann has threatened to cancel his annual Christmas lights display after receiving two complaints from the council (Photo: Mr Lehmann’s lights in 2022)
Mr Lehmann said he was entitled to decorate the walkway under Brisbane Council’s Festive Footpaths program, which allows council walkways and trees to be decorated for Halloween and Christmas from October 15 to 14 January.
However, his awards blocked the grass path and did not meet council guidelines.
Mr Lehmann argued this is not a problem as he has the council’s footpath through his back garden, which passes through his impressive Christmas lights.
He threatened to cancel the entire light show if the ‘Grinch’ continued to harass him.
“If the council is going to declare that it’s the same person who complained last year, I’m done,” he said.
“All the lights will be removed, and we won’t be doing anything this year, and signs will be plastered in our yard saying that the complainer and the council have shut us down!”
‘This is all possible, the whole thing. No Christmas this year because some worthless bastard can’t keep his mouth shut.”
His decorations blocked the grass path and did not meet council guidelines, prompting complaints from neighbours
Mr Lehmann claims this is not a problem as he has the council’s footpath through his back garden, which passes through his impressive Christmas lights display.
Mr Lehmann received two complaints (one above) for installing lights and decorations in the council walkway outside his home
Mr Lehmann was furious with the council and pointed to the Festive Footpaths programme, which allows residents to decorate the walkway (photo: Mr Lehmann preparing the lights)
Thousands of upset fans protested the council’s order, but also asked Mr Lehmann to consider allowing the light show to go ahead without the sidewalk decorations.
“From one decorator note to another, this makes me angry. Sad to see all that hard work ruined by one complaint and the council not applying common sense to the risk assessment,” said one.
“Looks so good, and you kept a walking path. So not sure why there would be a problem,” wrote another.
‘My kids absolutely love your beautiful display! My six year old was looking forward to it. I will happily sign anything or write a letter of support if needed,” another person said.
“So disappointing for you, thank you for all your hard work bringing Christmas to thousands of people,” wrote a fourth.
Thousands of Brisbane residents begged Mr Lehmann to go ahead with the screening (above last year) and condemned the council’s complaints
‘This is so sad! What has happened to the world when we can’t even enjoy beautiful Christmas lights and embrace the Christmas season,” said another.
‘Why do people complain about those who try to bring a little happiness to others? It’s not damn cheap and the time and effort we all put into it is enormous,” wrote another.
Ny Breaking Australia has contacted Brisbane City Council for comment.