The City of Perth is moving forward with plans to permanently remove the deteriorating Ore Obelisk monument, replacing it with a digital commemoration in the form of an augmented reality experience. The decision comes after serious safety risks were identified, along with the structure's declining condition.
Safety Concerns and Structural Issues
A report presented to the council recommends that the obelisk be formally deaccessioned, noting that the structure has been “irreversibly compromised by its physical condition” and now represents “an unacceptable public safety and a liability risk.” The monument, designed by architect Paul Ritter in 1971, has been in storage since 2021 after engineers determined it had reached “the end of its estimated lifespan.”
In 2016, a 20-kilogram rock fell from the structure, followed by an 80-kilogram section in 2020. By 2021, engineers warned of an “immediate risk of rock falls,” prompting its removal. Despite its long presence in the city, the report found that the monument “does not contribute to the heritage significance of Stirling Gardens,” and has been previously described in the State Heritage Register as “an intrusive element.”
Assessment of Options
City officers evaluated five different options for the artwork, including reconstruction and commissioning a new piece. Rebuilding the obelisk using original materials was deemed unfeasible, with experts finding that “less than 45 per cent of the original materials are suitable for reuse.” Even replacing the materials would come at a significant cost, estimated at $390,000, and face challenges sourcing suitable stone. The West Australian Museum advised that replacement ores “would likely be unavailable for efforts to replicate because of geological constraint.”
Digital Solution Recommended
Instead, city officers have recommended a $75,000 augmented reality project to preserve the monument digitally. The report states that the AR option “offers a creative digital solution that creates a permanent commemoration of the work, ensuring its legacy is preserved for future generations.” It adds that “by leveraging digital technology, the City of Perth can demonstrate innovation and a future-focused approach.” The proposal includes an on-site plaque directing visitors to an online version of the monument.
The Ritter family has also backed the proposed direction. A family representative acknowledged the scale and cost of reinstatement and “doubted Paul Ritter would have considered it good use of city funds.” They also supported “an augmented reality commemoration of the Ore Obelisk.”
Cultural Considerations
The City of Perth Elders Advisory Group and Whadjuk Aboriginal Corporation have advised that any reinstatement or reuse of the materials would require approval from Traditional Owners of the lands where the ore was sourced. If approved, the deaccessioning process will proceed under the City’s Public Art and Cultural Collections policies, with materials managed responsibly and the artwork formally documented.
City officers emphasised that the decision “is not a reflection of the artistic merit of the work,” but rather a response to safety concerns and the monument’s inability to meet modern engineering standards.
Replacement Artwork
The Ore Obelisk was replaced last year by a 7-metre tall graffiti-covered BOONJI Spaceman, created by contemporary artist Brendan Murphy. Although Mr Murphy donated the statue to the city, it still cost $250,000 for its installation and transportation. The installation of the spaceman sparked a peaceful protest in May, with demonstrators calling for the Ore Obelisk to be reinstated to “protect art legacy.”
A final decision regarding the future of the Ore Obelisk is anticipated to be made at the city’s meeting on April 28.
