Horizon Ball sculpture reopened to public as teenager who climbed inside it could be made to pay for stunt

The 17-year-old who climbed inside the water-filled Horizon sculpture last week, damaging it just hours after the replica artwork was returned to the Beresford Foreshore, could be made to foot the $11,500 bill for repairs.

The teenager, who was with six others egging him on and taking photos of his ill-advised stunt, was spoken to by police on Thursday, but was let off with a juvenile caution due to his clean criminal record.

The Horizon ball was reopened to the public on Friday after the inappropriate late-night dip on Wednesday.

The outraged community and City Mayor Shane Van Styn were quick to post the vandalism to social media after it took place only eight hours after it was made available to the public.

Seven people were captured on Beresford CCTV gathering around the newly placed horizon ball as one juvenile removed the lid and jumped inside while others filmed the act.

The second replica ball had only been installed 12-hours prior to the incident after the community waited for its return to the foreshore for nearly a year.

The total repair bill equalled $11,570. The direct cost to pay for damage including surface scratches on the ball was quoted at $7000, while fencing hire left the City short $1600.

Other fees include the crane and operator, costs to decontaminate and refill the ball with de-ionised water, installer time and staff hours.

Mr Van Styn said the City would continue to review legal options for recovery for damages and costs incurred as a result of the deliberate act.

“It’s not to us as a City to interfere with the legal process, obviously just being referred with a caution was disappointing but our goal will be ultimately cost recovery as a result of the action,” he said.

“It’s quite clear the community was outraged by the actions, there was a very public naming and shaming of all the people. I’ve spoken to some of those who were present and they have expressed remorse and I genuinely believe (them).”

Investigations to determine the extent of the damage are ongoing, with a dollar estimate yet to be finalised.

Mr Van Styn flagged the council was considering its options, including sealing the artwork, relocating it or permanently fencing it off.

Geraldton Police Acting Sgt Brad Lynn said the matter was still under investigation and police would continue conducting inquiries and speak with the remaining people involved.

“It’s disappointing to see people are damaging community property and leaving it unavailable for the public to view,” he said.

“There might be some others we need to speak to just in case anyone else contributed to the damage of it.”

Visitors to the Horizon on Friday expressed their shock at the audacious act and hoped that people would show respect from now on and not spoil the drawcard for everyone else.

City of Rockingham resident Izak Geddes said he was gobsmacked when he discovered kids were able to unseal the sculpture and dive inside.

“The fact it can be opened up just by any kid trying to hop inside the ball is pretty hazardous. They should glue it shut or somehow lock it shut so that people aren’t able to open it,” he said.

“It’s a beautiful piece of art and people shouldn’t ruin it, it’s great to be able to get a photo of.

“It adds along the foreshore. Different parts of the foreshore have their own unique part and I’m a fan of where it is now.”

Ross Forbes-Stephen, a visitor from Broome, said the landmark was amazing and the location couldn’t be beaten.

“It was really sad that people would try to break it or swim in it. I’m impressed by it and I think it’s in a perfect spot. You get really lovely effects looking into it, I don’t know where else you would put it,” he said.