A crane was required yesterday to start the process of erecting the 12.5-metre tree in The Cube’s courtyard.

The lights will be switched on at a ceremony on Thursday.

Cr John Watson said the community needed something impressive to share and enjoy.

He said the cost was insignificant when it was compared with how much other major cities spent, with the City of Greater Geelong spending about $1 million on its tree.

“We have had lots of requests and feedback from the community to make Wodonga more festive,” he said.

“As a council, we realise this is a lot of money, but this was something the community has asked for.

“We wanted to make this something special and something for our community to look forward to each year.”

The tree will complement decorations in Woodland Grove which featured for the first time last year.

Cr Watson said the council expected the Christmas centrepiece to be a part of the city’s festive season for many years to come.

“It is an investment that we expect to have for a number of years,” he said.

“We want it to become a Christmas landmark in our revitalised central business area.

“A Christmas tree brings about spirit and makes people think about others.

“It’s also about sharing and caring — all the things that make a community work.”

Thursday’s event, from 6.30pm, will feature carols from choirs and Christmas craft in the Wodonga Library.

The mayor Cr Rodney Wangman is expected to unveil the tree.