City of Greater Geraldton ‘disgusted’ after Horizon Ball sculpture vandalised 12 hours after installation

The community has reacted in disgust to juvenile antics which saw a teenager climb into the water-filled Horizon sculpture only 12 hours after the replica artwork was replaced on the Beresford Foreshore — actions which now threaten to spoil the landmark for everyone.

Late Thursday afternoon, police confirmed they had questioned a juvenile suspect over the incident that was captured on a newly installed CCTV camera about 11pm on Wednesday and quickly spread on social media. The juvenile was dealt with via a referral to the Juvenile Justice Team.

Footage from CCTV and social media show a group of seven people at the site, lifting the lid off the sculpture and then one male hopping into it and fully submerging himself in the distilled water, while others laugh and take photos and video.

The replica piece was only reinstalled 12 hours earlier and fencing removed eight hours prior to the late-night escapade.

The community had eagerly awaited the Horizon’s return to the foreshore for almost a year, after the original exploded last December due to extreme heat and being weakened by vandalism. City of Greater Geraldton Mayor Shane Van Styn expressed his disgust at the disrespectful actions, warning it could ruin the experience of the tourist drawcard and local landmark for everyone, with the council weighing up its options.

Mr Van Styn said plans going forward were yet to be determined but could involve removing the Horizon from its foreshore home and relocating it elsewhere or erecting permanent fencing.

“Significant fencing around the structure could be considered, however that would take away from the wonderful panoramic photos that are able to be taken of it,” he said.

“Alternatively, a deeper consideration could be just a complete relocation or removal of the structure to somewhere completely away from the overly public access. “We’d hoped the CCTV would at least be a deterrent but clearly that’s not the case given the incident has occurred in a matter of eight hours of the fencing being removed.” The City reported the matter to police on Thursday morning after reviewing CCTV.

On Thursday afternoon, Geraldton Police confirmed they had a juvenile suspect in custody.

“(They’ve) prised open the Horizon ball, with one of them climbing inside of it, causing some damage to the ball and surrounding netting as well as contaminating the water within it,” Mr Van Styn said.

“The idea it has been considered as a joke and has been plastered all over social media just goes to show the absolute disrespect for society these individuals have.”

Mr Van Styn said the area was regularly patrolled by city staff who noticed the lid had been tampered with and dislodged and the water level was lower. He said investigations to determine the extent of the damage were ongoing but confirmed the ball would required drainage and refilling.

Workers were on site on Thursday to refill the sculpture.

Mr Van Styn said he was not fully briefed on the extent of the damage caused, but noted there was obvious damage to the meshing around the sculpture.

He said they were looking into whether the ball could be sealed. Countless comments on social media from the public condemned the actions of the group.

Mr Van Styn said the community’s response had been “amazing”. Repair works are almost complete and the Horizon should reopen to the public on Friday.