Makara Constructions in liquidation after death of founder Robert Makara on the Sunshine Coast

A Sunshine Coast building firm, whose founder died in a car accident along with his wife, has collapsed owing an estimated $6.7m.

A Queensland construction company whose founder died in a tragic car accident along with his wife is being liquidated owing an estimated $6.7m.

David Stimpson, of SV Partners, has been appointed liquidator of Sunshine Coast-based Makara Constructions, a family-owned business established in 1971 that had grown to be one of Queensland’s leading experts in tilt-up construction. Tilt-up construction involves prefabricating large concrete panels, which are then lifted into place and fastened to a slab.

The company’s founder Robert Makara, 69 and wife Elizabeth, 68, died last year after a single vehicle crash on David Low Way at Pacific Paradise.

Robert Makara, founder of Makara Constructions, died in a car crash with his wife.

Mr Makara was well known on the Sunshine Coast for being the director of the firm which he ran with his son Tony.

Comment has been sought from his son Tony Makara, who took over as director following the death of his father. Comment also has been sought from Mr Stimpson.

Following the accident last year, tributes to Mr Makara and his wife poured into social media, with a Sunshine Coast community page writing the couple were well respected and loved.

According to a document lodged with Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) this week, the Australian Taxation Office could be owed as much as $1.1m with tradies and unsecured creditors owed almost $5m.

According to Queensland Building and Construction Commission records, Makara Construction had its licence cancelled last month after it failed to satisfy the regulator’s financial requirements. The company only completed one job in the 2020/21 financial year worth $245,000.