City of Greater Geraldton CEO says Horizon Ball will stay after late night tamper risked removal or fencing

The City of Greater Geraldton has confirmed the Horizon Ball sculpture will remain in its place on the Beresford Foreshore after teenagers took part in a wild stunt risking the future of the popular tourist attraction. On Wednesday December 7, seven teenagers huddled around the ball late at night when a 17-year-old boy lifted off the lid and jumped inside the ball. The stunt — occurring just 12 hours after the replica sculpture was reinstated on the foreshore — was filmed and uploaded on social media, while the City released CCTV images the next day, with the identity of the culprit being swiftly confirmed. Police spoke to the 17-year-old and issued him with a juvenile caution. In the aftermath, City Mayor Shane Van Styn indicated the council may consider relocating the Horizon or fencing it permanently to protect it from future vandalism. This week, City CEO Ross McKim confirmed the community did not need to worry about the future of the sculpture. “The City won’t be deterred by the actions of others and have no intentions of moving the Horizon sculpture from Beresford Foreshore,” he said. Mr Van Styn flagged the damage bill — which included refilling the ball with deionised water and surface scratches — could be up to $11,500 and indicated the council might seek to recoup the costs from the person responsible. But Mr McKim poured cold water on that possibility. “As the offender is a juvenile, it is unlikely that the City will be able to recover repair costs. We are hopeful given the community outpour, and awareness that CCTV is in the area, that this won’t happen again,” Mr McKim said. The City of Greater Geraldton replaced the sculpture after the original exploded last year in the extreme summer heat after vandalism had weakened it. The new sculpture was built twice as thick while a new CCTV camera was installed ahead of its arrival. The day after the vandalism, Mr Van Styn told the Geraldton Guardian there would be discussions about removing the ball altogether or erecting permanent fencing, but conceded that would ruin the “wonderful panoramic photos” that could be taken.