Camden Council allows Oran Park Halloween display this year amid concerns
Sarah Naylor-Liddell says she is devastated after Camden Council raised concerns about her free Halloween display, known as “Spider House”, following complaints from nearby residents. The council says the display can go ahead this year, but the family will need to discuss approvals and complete any required checks before running it in future.
Each October, Naylor-Liddell takes a month off work to decorate her home in Oran Park and welcomes visitors for six days before Halloween. She says the attraction has grown from hundreds of visitors to thousands, with enough sweets needed for about 5,000 people on Halloween. Her next-door neighbour supports the display, and local residents have voiced support online.
In short
- Camden Council says Spider House can go ahead this year.
- Future displays may require checks and approvals.
- The free attraction draws thousands of visitors.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
The free display has become a valued community attraction, bringing families together and giving local children a seasonal activity. Supporters can argue that, with a supportive next-door neighbour and visible local backing, the council should help the family continue it while addressing any specific, evidenced concerns.
The case against
A popular event drawing thousands of visitors to a residential street may affect neighbours through noise, crowds, traffic or safety risks, even if many residents welcome it. Supporters of the council’s approach can argue that discussing approvals and completing relevant checks before future events is a reasonable way to protect residents and visitors while allowing the display to continue if concerns are addressed.
Explained simply
Oran Park is a suburb in south-west Sydney, in the Camden Council area. Each October, resident Sarah Naylor-Liddell turns her home into a free Halloween attraction known as Spider House, opening it to visitors for several days.
The display has grown from a small neighbourhood event into a popular attraction, drawing thousands of people. That brings together visitors and supporters who value the Halloween tradition, as well as neighbours who have raised concerns about its effects nearby.
Camden Council is the local authority responsible for council services and rules in the area. Its role in assessing events like this can involve considering residents’ concerns and any checks or approvals that may apply.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Sydney mum’s Halloween wonderland faces uncertain future after neighbour complaint sparks council intervention: ‘You have a Karen’”.