# Clive Palmer Plans to Reopen Dilapidated Coolum Resort by 2027 Billionaire Clive Palmer initiates renovations at his long-shuttered Sunshine Coast luxury resort property. - **Source:** [ABC Australia – Science](https://www.abc.net.au/news/science) - **Published:** 2026-11-10 - **Topic:** [Business](https://brifing.si/c/business) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/d1875d69-c286-42f9-ae06-f7251481b50c ## Resort Reopening Timeline Billionaire Clive Palmer has announced plans to reopen his luxury Sunshine Coast resort by mid-2027. The site, formerly known as the Hyatt Regency Coolum, has remained closed since 2015. Recent activity on the property suggests that renovation efforts are finally gaining momentum after a decade of significant operational inactivity and neglect. ## History of Broken Promises Mr. Palmer purchased the five-star facility in 2011 but shut it down four years later following a legal dispute with Hyatt. A previous $100 million redevelopment plan announced in 2021, which included replicas of global landmarks like the Trevi Fountain, failed to meet its 2022 completion deadline, fueling widespread local skepticism. ## Current Renovation Efforts The resort is currently hiring various skilled laborers, including electricians, plumbers, and security guards to address the site's dilapidated state. Workers have been observed on-site clearing gutters and performing maintenance. Despite these visible signs of progress, the specific scope of the final renovation project remains unclear to local council members. ## Economic Impact Potential In its prime, the resort employed 700 people and featured 300 luxury rooms, a day spa, and a championship golf course. Local business leaders view a successful reopening as a major economic boon for the region. The facility's restoration could help alleviate the severe accommodation shortage currently facing the Sunshine Coast area. ## Infrastructure and Planning The site holds existing council approval for resort and residential use, meaning no new development permits are required if operations align with current conditions. However, local officials note that much of the existing infrastructure is severely run down. The council has not received formal proposals regarding the previously announced landmark replica plans. ## Labor and Legal Challenges The project has faced internal turmoil, including the 2023 dismissal of 125 employees amid allegations of theft and fraud. The Fair Work Commission later determined that some of these terminations were unfair. These past labor disputes contribute to the cautious atmosphere surrounding the current efforts to staff the massive resort site. ## Regional Strategic Importance The Sunshine Coast requires thousands of additional hotel rooms to accommodate visitors ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympics. Local councillor Taylor Bunnag emphasized that a functional resort would be a vital asset for the region. Stakeholders are watching closely to see if the current renovation pace can meet these long-term regional demands. ## Community Sentiment Outlook While residents hold fond memories of the resort's former glory, skepticism remains high due to repeated delays. The community is adopting a wait-and-see approach, noting that previous reopening pledges failed to materialize. The project's success now depends on consistent progress and the ability to transform the current site into a viable destination. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-11-10/clive-palmer-resort-coolum-reopening/107363986 — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._