Gold Coast artificial reef plaque not damaged, says council

THE Gold Coast City Council has squashed some Palm Beach residents’ excitement that a controversial artificial reef plaque has already been damaged.

THE Gold Coast City Council has squashed some Palm Beach residents’ excitement that a controversial artificial reef plaque has already been damaged.

Palm Beach residents, upset at what they see as over development of their suburb, took to social media to suggest the plaque unveiled by Mayor Tom Tate on Saturday - and guarded by a security camera - was already vandalised.

But a city council spokesman said: “There is no evidence the plaque has been vandalised.

“Some marks which had appeared on the plaque following the unveil were removed yesterday,” the city council spokesman said.

“Residents may notice the plaque changing colour in coming weeks, as it reacts with the elements to give a rustic look and feel.”

Just three days after its awkward launch, images were posted on social media with one showing it squeaky clean and another showing it looked dulled and potentially scuffed.

“What’s happened to His Worship’s plaque in just 24 hours??? It wasn’t me!” Palm Beach resident Karen Rowles wrote on Facebook.

Some have commented suggesting it was “cheap”, or the salt water or rain may have caused it to rust.

A before photo of the Palm Beach artificial reef plaque. Photo: Karen Rowles

A photo posted of the plaque last night. Karen Rowles

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Another said: “Someone probably urinated on it. I wonder if they got that on camera.”

Another commenter said: “I saw someone cleaning it when I left to pick up my daughter from the school bus.”

The $18 million artificial reef was officially launched on Saturday with a plaque unveiling ceremony which Cr Tate brought forward two days, upsetting area councillor Daphne McDonald who missed it and said it should have been a community celebration.

Protesters stormed the event, protesting what they feel is “over development” of Palm Beach.

At least one protester said he hoped the plaque would be vandalised while speaking to media at the much-maligned event.

“For once, I hope the vandals come tonight and rub that name out,” the protester said on Saturday, referring to Mayor Tom Tate.

On Monday, Gold Coast City Council posted security and installed CCTV footage to protect the plaque which marks the official opening of the artificial reef.

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Karen Rowles. Photo: Richard Gosling

Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Jerad Williams

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