Yaroomba’s Coolum Palmer Resort worker lockout mystery continues

Mystery still surrounds work at the Palmer Coolum Resort, following a dramatic tradie lockout, as golfers also face new security protocols.

Speculation is rife over the number of workers back on the tools at a Sunshine Coast resort following a tradie lockout earlier this month.

Resort golfers also have new security sign-ons to follow.

Workers at the Palmer Coolum Resort in Yaroomba were locked out on August 9 and 10.

One pair was given termination notices only to be asked to reapply for their positions at the Clive Palmer-owned resort about 20 minutes after being fired.

In that two-day period, tradespeople who gathered at the resort gates to collect their tools under police guard said that the whole construction crew, up to 150 workers, were affected by the lockout.

The villas on the Warrack St side of the Palmer Coolum Resort. Picture: Patrick Woods.

At that time, in response to questions about the termination letters and the tradie lockout, a spokesman for Mr Palmer replied, “not true”.

Two weeks later it remains unclear how many construction workers are back at the resort.

Palmer Coolum Resort owner Clive Palmer. Picture: Luis Ascui

Mr Palmer announced the $100m refurbishment of the resort in 2021 after he closed it in 2015.

A golfer who regularly uses the golf club’s facilities, and declined to be named, said a new protocol in place since the lockout was to phone ahead to the staff for access to the course.

Staff members then sent names to security at the gate.

“Security checks you in,” he said.

A 2017 aerial view of the golf course and clubhouse at the Palmer Coolum Resort on the Sunshine Coast. Picture: Lachie Millard

The golfer also said he thought the construction crew was working on the apartments, and there had been no action there since August 9.

Residents of homes near the Warrack St side of the resort had noticed workers on site about two days after the lockout occurred.

Warrack St resident Brian, who declined to give his last name, said tradespeople had worked on that side of the resort since September 2022.

He said the narrow street had again become “congested” with trucks and other service vehicles using an entrance to the site since work restarted.

The resident said he looked forward to the work’s completion.

Berry Crt resident Kat Decourcy said she had heard about the workers getting locked out but had not noticed work stopping at the resort.

The resident said she was concerned about the wildlife, particularly a mob of kangaroos, which called the golf course home and hoped that any work was taking them into account.

“It would be great for it to be a going concern again, somewhere where people can go and have dinner,” Ms Decourcy said.

A spokesman for Mr Palmer was contacted for comment.

The golf club at the resort was also contacted for comment.