‘Wonders of the world’: Palmer promises $100m revamp of Coolum resort
Clive Palmer has promised to spend $100 million on resurrecting his derelict Coolum resort complex, giving it a “Wonders of the World” theme, complete with replica Trevi Fountain.
Clive Palmer is promising a $100 million revamp of his neglected Coolum Resort (pic: The New Daily)
Palmer said he wanted to redevelop the resort to “to re-establish its position as the jewel in the Sunshine Coast tourism crown”.
‘The Palmer Coolum Resort redevelopment will include replicas of the Wonders of the World and famous landmarks including a full-size Trevi Fountain,” he said in a statement.
“More than 300 premium studio, two and three bedroom apartments will be completely refurbished in the upgrade which will also feature seven restaurants and the complete renovation of the Village Square.
Palmer has been on the receiving end of local anger over allowing the former Hyatt Coolum resort to run down after he acquired it 10 years, dotting its grounds with mechanical models of dinosaurs.
He said 100 workers were already on site, with a further 100 expected to be employed on the project by June, ahead of an anticipated opening of stage one in the second half of 2022.
“At the heart of the revitalised Palmer Coolum Resort will be the world class Robert Trent Jones Jnr-designed golf course, the former home of 11 Australian PGA Championships which is currently open for play and presented in immaculate condition,” he said.
“The resort will be returned to beyond its former glory, stimulating jobs and economic growth for the region.”
Palmer said that as the former Federal Member for Fairfax, he had a duty of care for the people of the Sunshine Coast.
“The Sunshine Coast has suffered due to the massive turndown in tourism over the past 12 months and will face further economic hardships once the JobKeeper program finishes,’’ he said.
“This project will provide much needed economic stimulus during construction and into the future as a major visitor drawcard for the region.
“I would like to see the Queensland Premier to follow suit and step up her investment in the Queensland tourism sector.
“I am also calling on others who have been fortunate in business to do what they can to get Queensland moving again.”
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk shook her head when asked about Palmer’s latest plans, saying “I’ll believe it when I see it”.
