Boabs to light up for Christmas

Two boab trees wrapped in swirls of colourful LED lighting will form the centrepiece of Christmas decorations in Chinatown this year.

The Shire of Broome last week agreed to explore building on the festive street lighting in Carnarvon Street within a "limited budget".

The revitalisations include replacing baubles with a UV-resistant product and possibly using the refurbished Streeter's Jetty precinct for a community art project.

A large boab tree donated to the council will be planted on the verge at the corner of Carnarvon Street and Napier Terrace, and an existing one on the corner of Carnarvon Street and Short Street will be covered in lights.

"Last year, the council installed Christmas street lighting and decorations in Chinatown, and we are now looking to build on that for 2013 within the limited budget available," Shire of Broome chief executive Kenn Donohoe said.

Following a meeting of the council arts, culture and heritage advisory committee last week, a recommendation will be drawn up to go before full council in October.

"New ideas for decorating Chinatown and Broome during Christmas are being investigated, and we're hoping to involve more of the community," Mr Donohoe said.

"Following its recent upgrades, the Streeter's Jetty precinct can also be included, perhaps with a community art project of some sort."

Mr Donohue said the council would explore expanding the lighting within the shopping area.

"In future years, council will investigate extending the range of street lighting to incorporate Dampier Terrace and Short Street more significantly, in addition to Carnarvon Street, but this will require more electricity infrastructure to be put in place," he said.

"In 2012 the council also assisted Spirit FM and Chinatown businesses to resurrect the Chinatown Christmas street party, which proved to be a great success.

"Events like these have a really positive impact on the community, and so this year we're again looking to help the organisers expand on that concept to make it bigger and better."

The party is scheduled for December 5 and will include Christmas carols, buskers and food.

The event will culminate with the arrival of Santa Claus and is designed to activate Chinatown in the evening and provide an opportunity for retailers to open their doors for late-night Christmas trading.

Broome Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive officer Maryanne Petersen wholeheartedly welcomed the street party commitment.

"It was a fantastic event last year, thanks to lots of input from Spirit FM," she said.

"The lights in the boab tree were a real focal point for their duration, a great mix of Christmas and the Kimberley."

Ms Petersen said it was important the electricity infrastructure be extended to Dampier Terrace in preparation to extend the Christmas street lights.