The Launceston Christmas tree, in the Brisbane Street Mall, received so much damage the tree is now beyond repair.
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People were filmed ripping the decorations off the tree, which damaged the wiring, Cityprom executive officer Steve Henty said. All the branches are connected with small wires built into each branch. The giant stars are a separate relay.
"They use to do fancy things but because they've been so damaged, they don't work that way anymore. They turn on, but no longer do fancy patterns," he said.
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The tree is worth about $40,000 and would be virtually impossible to fix because the decorations are no longer made. Cityprom has already had to use its spares in previous years costing about $10,000 annually. About seven were stolen in 2019 alone.
He said the behaviour in the video was extremely dangerous, and the vandalism made them consider if it's worth doing at all.
"It has ramifications. Not only is it terrible vandalism and lacking the respect, but it's dangerous if they do something and pull that tree and it falls, or they electrocute themselves," he said. "A handful of muppets want to ruin it for everybody by thinking this is fun."
If the tree has to be replaced Cityprom would look at a number of different designs to minimise vandalism and use its commercial Christmas decoration provider and build the tree locally.
"We wouldn't want to go through anything like the tomato stakes, that Hobart went to one year. We want one that is unique to Launceston," he said.
Mr Henty said the silver lining meant the city could possibly get a new tree that would be taller because of the city's new height restrictions, and taller than Hobart's tree to continue to "fun" rivalry.
City of Launceston mayor Albert van Zetten said the reckless behaviour of a few ruined it for others.
"To watch the video just highlighted the stupidity and childish behaviour of those involved," he said.
"We will sit down with Cityprom in the weeks ahead and look at options for hopefully repairing the tree."
Cityprom will be making a report to police to pursue charges.
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