Costs in the tens of thousands of dollars may mean the death of the popular Halloween event 'The Haunting of Oak Beach' according to its creator Richard Lavender.

Mr Lavender told The Newsport he has been in discussions with Cairns Regional Council after a review of the event concluded an "entertainment license" would be required for 2013.

While the permit application fee is just $298, Mr Lavender said the cost of complying with the permit's conditions were unattainable.

"I’ve had meetings with different contractors to gain estimates," Mr Lavender said. "Right now the total cost is $25,298...that’s not including the cost of the set up for the haunt. This is way out of our means."

1600 people attended this year's event.

Mr Lavender said in dealings he has had with Council no precedent has been set for such a permit to be applied to a private property.

"I’ve asked him (the Council officer) to name any private property that has had such a permit imposed upon them.  He couldn’t/wouldn’t answer my questions.

"Imagine that you were restricted from celebrating Christmas. Or, putting up Christmas displays in and around your home. Council is restricting our family property from celebrating Halloween without a permit."    

The Newsport attempted to contact the officer in question but has not yet received a response.

Mr Lavender has started a petition which he plans to provide to Council in an effort to have permit conditions removed.