Work is officially underway on Clive Palmer’s vision to create Australia’s largest car museum west of Brisbane, with early demolition works now commenced.
The start of on-ground activity marks a new chapter for the project near Lowood, which received development approval from Somerset Regional Council in 2024. Major earthworks are scheduled for the end of 2025.
Tenders have now been called for major civil construction works, giving qualified contractors the opportunity to contribute to what is set to be a major tourism and economic drawcard for the region.
The mining magnate pulled the pin on a planning application to build the ambitious project at his Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast last after locals claimed it would be an “eyesore”.
He previously had the Palmer Motorama Vintage Car Museum, which opened in 2013 with about 100 cars at the Coolum resort.
Mr Palmer said the commencement of site works represented a major milestone in bringing the new project to life.
“This will be a world-class destination and a lasting legacy for automotive history in Australia,” he said.
“We’re proud to be investing in Somerset and pleased to see the first stages of development now taking shape on the ground.”
The museum, to be built over a 43,000sqm footprint at Patrick Estate, between Lowood and Lake Wivenhoe, will house more than 1000 rare and historic cars alongside 300 motorcycles.
The development will also include a shop, cafe, short-term accommodation and caretaker’s residence.
The project is expected to generate about 80 construction jobs and more than 50 ongoing local positions once operational.
