It seems fear has perpetuated to such a state in this country where bureaucracy has surely gone mad.

Public safety is serious, and should be taken seriously.

But there are times when red tape goes too far.

Moruya Business Chamber has been putting up Christmas decorations in Vulcan Street for the past 18 years – without incident.

They were decorations made by volunteer labour (the materials paid for by the Chamber) in a bid to boost the joyous atmosphere in town come Christmas time.

The tinsel covered frames plug in at the top of the power pole, and have been easily installed by community members in the past.

Now Essential Energy says only “suitably qualified Accredited Service Providers may undertake this type of work”, just weeks out from when the decorations were due to be put up.

Moruya Business Chamber is not the only group affected by this policy – Batemans Bay Chamber of Commerce too has received conflicting advice on who can and can’t install banners on power poles in the CBD.

These are two high-powered groups volunteering their time and money to make our communities a brighter place to live, and a welcoming place to visit.

The electricity poles, at this point in time at least, are still owned by the community.

C’mon Essential Energy, get in the spirit.