Mining magnate Clive Palmer coy on property prospects in Far North
MINING billionaire Clive Palmer has been on a whirlwind tour of the Far North inspecting high-end properties to buy, including the Sea Temple Golf and Country Club at Port Douglas.
He told The Weekend Post he had viewed 20 properties by helicopter between Townsville and Cairns.
But Mr Palmer (pictured) said he had made no decisions, nor could he remember what he had inspected.
"I've looked at about 20 up there, I can't remember which ... there have been a hell of a lot," he said.
Mr Palmer said there were no bargains to be snapped up and Townsville looked more promising than Cairns.
"Townsville is a much better proposition at the moment. The airport's close to town and you can get out to the Reef easily," he said. Mr Palmer and three associates inspected the Sea Temple course from the air before landing on the property on Thursday.
Mr Palmer's media spokesman Andrew Crook said it was "early days".
"He's a businessman and is looking at property all the time. I didn't even know he was up there until 10 minutes ago and I spoke to him four times yesterday," he said.
Earlier this year Mr Palmer bought two golf courses on the Gold Coast at Robina for $7 million.
Port Douglas and Daintree Tourism executive officer Doug Ryan said rumours were that Mr Palmer had been at the Sea Temple golf course.
Real estate agent Tony McGrath said all the town was talking about the visit.
"My mail is that he was flying around in a helicopter and Sea Temple is the property people have been talking about," he said.
CBRE Hotels Queensland director Wayne Bunz said the golf course and country club, plus a housing estate development, was for sale with expressions of interest closing on November 14.
A Sea Temple spokeswoman said there would be no comment on Mr Palmer's visit.
The property has been on the market by the Juniper Development Group for a year.
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Playing it down: Clive Palmer was coy about his property investment prospects in the Far North when quizzed by The Weekend Post.
