Clive Palmer, the mining billionaire and former politician, has finally received approval to build his dream car museum near Lake Wivenhoe, approximately an hour west of Brisbane. This comes after his initial plans to build the museum on the Sunshine Coast were met with opposition from the community and council members.
The new museum, to be located in Patrick Estate, is set to be the largest car museum in the country, with 11 large sheds that can display 923 cars and 278 motorcycles. In addition to the exhibition space, the museum will also feature 10 short-stay cabins, a food kiosk, cafe, gift shop, caretaker’s dwelling, and a workshop. The facility is expected to attract 100,000 visitors annually, generating $9 million in revenue.
The approval of the museum has been met with enthusiasm by the Somerset Regional Council, with Mayor Jason Wendt describing it as a “huge tourism win” for the region. The economic benefits of the museum are expected to be significant, not only during the construction phase but also once the museum is operational.
Visitors to the museum can look forward to seeing a wide range of vehicles on display, including a replica of the 1886 Benz patent motorwagen, numerous Ferrari models, cars from Rolls-Royce, Bentley, Jaguar, and military vehicles, as well as vehicles owned by celebrities and royalty. The museum will also host events and car rallies, adding to its appeal for car enthusiasts.
While the original plan for the museum on the Sunshine Coast faced significant opposition, the new location near Lake Wivenhoe has received much more positive feedback, with only two submissions received – one in favor and one against. This bodes well for the future success of the museum and its contribution to the local economy.
Overall, the approval of Clive Palmer’s car museum near Brisbane is a positive development for car enthusiasts and the local community alike. The museum is set to become a major tourist attraction, showcasing a diverse range of vehicles and providing a boost to the region’s economy. With construction set to begin soon, it won’t be long before visitors can experience the impressive collection of cars and motorcycles on display at this new landmark.
