Clive Palmer under fire for golf course gate, blocking thoroughfare for wildlife

An Aussie billionaire has come under fire after a decision to block access to a golf course left locals fearing for the safety of native wildlife and motorists, sparking a feud with his neighbours.

Residents of Yaroomba on the Queensland Sunshine Coast claim billionaire owner of the luxury course, Clive Palmer, is putting the lives of eastern grey kangaroos at risk after he blocked the animals from accessing the course safely through an underpass.

With a tall metal gate fitted with spikes and padlocks preventing the kangaroos from entering the Palmer Coolum Resort, locals said the animals have been left to use an alternative route to cross a major highway.

If the gate were to be opened, it would allow local wildlife to pass between the east and west sides of David Low Way.

Those petitioning for the mining magnate and former politician to open the gate said three kangaroos and a joey have been killed on the nearby road, with some fearing it’s only a matter of time before someone is involved in a serious accident or killed.

While some believe the safety of local wildlife has compromised the development in the area, others believe it is a direct result of the blocked thoroughfare which was previously used for golf cart access.

Local councillor Taylor Bunnag said he is contacted by concerned residents and motorists who are growing “very frustrated” every day.

The councillor said “enough is enough”.

“It’s time for Palmer Coolum Resort management to open the gate underneath the David Low Way, to help give our kangaroos a chance to cross over into the golf course area,” he said.

“As a Yaroomba local, I’ve been upset to see the recent deaths. I’ve been working with council officers and our experts on how to stop more roo deaths in this stretch.”

Cr Bunnag noted experts said the gate must be opened “now”.

A petition to have the gate opened had reached nearly 2000 signatures at the time of publication.

In 2023 more than 5000 animals were struck by cars across Queensland, a 22 per cent jump from the previous year, according to Suncorp.

Collisions with kangaroos and wallabies make up 90 per cent of animal accidents in Australia, according to RSPCA Queensland.

The animal charity warns drivers to be “extra careful” when driving at dawn and dusk when animals are most active and to never swerve to avoid hitting an animal but rather try come to a stop.

About 12 to 20 kangaroos are reportedly believed to be in the Yaroomba area.

Palmer Coolum Resort has been contacted for comment.