A popular Christmas lights display in Burpengary East, known online as “Merry Strickland Christmas,” faces a $984 permit fee from the City of Moreton Bay and is now seeking community support to continue this year’s event.
Background and Context
A well-known Burpengary East household has become recognised for creating one of Queensland’s most elaborate Christmas light displays. The setup, featuring thousands of lights and large festive inflatables, has attracted strong community attention both locally and online, with more than 200 million social media views and international coverage.
What began as a family tradition has grown into a major seasonal attraction within the North Harbour estate. The display was paused in 2023 following online abuse but had been planned to return this year in a smaller format.
Permit Requirement and Costs
The City of Moreton Bay has advised that a $984 local event permit is required for the display to proceed this season. The permit ensures compliance with local event laws and includes conditions for safety measures such as traffic management.
Complaints in previous years about crowding, traffic delays, and blocked driveways have led to the council applying the same requirements even for this year’s scaled-down version. Similar community events across the region are subject to the same permit and planning processes.
Community Impact and Response
The festive display has been celebrated for bringing people together but has also created logistical challenges due to its popularity. In earlier seasons, traffic congestion reportedly turned short local trips into lengthy delays, with additional complaints about crowd behaviour.
Despite these issues, the organisers say the project remains focused on spreading community spirit and joy during the festive period. They have expressed hope that the display can continue in a safe and sustainable way for both residents and visitors.
Seeking Community and Not-for-Profit Support
In light of the permit cost, the organisers have reached out publicly to local not-for-profit organisations for support. If a registered not-for-profit group assists with the application, the $984 permit fee may be waived under council provisions.
The organisers said they are open to partnerships that would help sustain the display, which has become an anticipated highlight for families across the region. They continue to share progress updates and festive advice through their social media platform, reinforcing their focus on community engagement.
Council’s Position
The City of Moreton Bay confirmed that large-scale community displays require event permits and traffic management plans to ensure public safety. The council acknowledged the popularity of the Burpengary East lights and stated it is working with organisers to manage community impacts while maintaining access for residents.
The council added that previous displays at the same location had caused significant delays and congestion, which led to updated event management requirements for this year.
What Comes Next
The organisers are proceeding with the application process while exploring ways to meet council requirements and reduce costs. Their goal is to ensure the display can return for the 2025 festive season without disrupting the local area.
The City of Moreton Bay has reiterated its support for community celebrations that comply with safety standards and confirmed it will continue working with organisers to achieve a safe and enjoyable outcome.
Published 6-Nov-2025
Photo Credit: Merry Strickland Christmas/Instagram
CLICK ANY LOGO TO SEE PUBLICATION
