Premium Content:

Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas proposes removing 'green cactus' sculpture

Perth’s Lord Mayor Basil Zempilas has put forward a proposal to remove the iconic ‘green cactus’ sculpture from Perth’s city centre.

- Advertisement -

The sculpture from Western Australian artist James Angus was installed in 2011 after it won an international design competition with a prize of $1,000,000. Angus, who now resides in the USA, is an internationally acclaimed artist.

Writing in his weekly column in The West Australian newspaper, the newly re-elected Lord Mayor said it might be time for the sculpture to be removed.

Zempilas said the upcoming demolition of the Carillon Arcade at the opposite end of Forrest Chase would be an opportunity to rebuild the Forrest Place facilities.

“The impending Carillon Arcade demolition and redevelopment provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity to remodel Forrest Place,” he said.

“It’s a grand old civic space but for much of the year it’s too harsh. We need more trees, more shade, and more grass to make it more inviting.

“And it might be time for the cactus to go.” Zempilas said.

While the Lord Mayor is describing the remodeling of Forrest Place as a ‘once-in-a-generation’ opportunity, the area was turned from a road to a pedestrian space in 1986, and the Forrest Chase building that homes department store Myer and the mall area were opened by Queen Elizabeth in 1988. The space underwent a $100 million in 2019.

What do you think about the sculpture? Vote in our poll on X.

What do you think about the sculpture? 

OIP Staff


You can support our work by subscribing to our Patreon
or contributing to our GoFundMe campaign.

 

Latest

US revokes approved early retirement of trans service members, removing their benefits

In January when US President Donald Trump returned to...

LGBTIQ+ groups join forces to denounce discrimination against trans women

"We reject damaging public narratives that seek to divide us and deny the long and connected history of our movement for equality and justice."

Rising star Georgina Hopson takes the lead in ‘Anastasia’ musical

The hit Broadway musical will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.

Join Dyan Tai for a unique afternoon of music, creativity and community

Midland-based LGBTIQA+ group Our Place is bringing queer pop sensation Dyan Tai to the west coast for a very special youth event.

Newsletter

Don't miss

US revokes approved early retirement of trans service members, removing their benefits

In January when US President Donald Trump returned to...

LGBTIQ+ groups join forces to denounce discrimination against trans women

"We reject damaging public narratives that seek to divide us and deny the long and connected history of our movement for equality and justice."

Rising star Georgina Hopson takes the lead in ‘Anastasia’ musical

The hit Broadway musical will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.

Join Dyan Tai for a unique afternoon of music, creativity and community

Midland-based LGBTIQA+ group Our Place is bringing queer pop sensation Dyan Tai to the west coast for a very special youth event.

On This Gay Day | Playwright Joe Orton was murdered in 1967

Born John Orton on New Year’s Day in 1933,...

US revokes approved early retirement of trans service members, removing their benefits

In January when US President Donald Trump returned to power he issued an executive order saying that transgender personnel serving in the armed forces...

LGBTIQ+ groups join forces to denounce discrimination against trans women

"We reject damaging public narratives that seek to divide us and deny the long and connected history of our movement for equality and justice."

Rising star Georgina Hopson takes the lead in ‘Anastasia’ musical

The hit Broadway musical will have its Australian premiere at the Regent Theatre in Melbourne before touring to Perth and Sydney in 2026.