Comiskey Group deny purchasing The Wharf, racks up lobby meetings

A major Queensland developer has responded to rumours of an $80m purchase after several meetings between a lobbyist and the council.

Rumours have emerged of a major company buying The Wharf.

Mystery surrounds a Queensland pub baron after rumours of a massive million-dollar sale emerged between a substantial amount of lobby meetings.

According to the integrity commissioner’s lobbying register the Comiskey Group, as clients of Confluence Pty Ltd, were looking to meet with the Sunshine Coast Council chief executive John Baker last month to inform him of a land acquisition.

The phone call was made on June 9, with the council’s chief economic development officer to organise a meeting with Mr Baker.

Director Rob Comiskey of Comiskey Group, which is rumoured to have bought The Wharf. Photo: Supplied

“Informing council officer of client’s land acquisition and request to facilitate meeting with CEO and client,” the lobby register stated.

A previous meeting between the Comiskey Group and Mr Baker took place in May, to introduce the developer with the chief executive, according to the lobby register.

The register shows various meetings organised between the Comiskey Group and council executives by lobbyist and former Caloundra Chamber of Commerce chief executive Brady Sullivan.

President of the Mooloolaba Chamber of Commerce, Brett Thompson, told ABC radio on Wednesday morning the Comiskey Group were in the process of buying the Mooloolaba Wharf to the tune of $80m.

He said on air the sale was subject to “due diligence”.

Comiskey Group Directors Rob, Paul, and David Comiskey. Picture: Supplied

Mr Thompson told this publication heard the rumour secondhand from the business community.

He said if the company indeed had made the purchase, it would be “exciting” news for Mooloolaba.

“If they did, it would certainly be a fantastic opportunity for a well-known operator to enhance The Wharf even further,” he said.

A spokeswoman from the Comiskey Group said the company was aware of the rumours regarding The Wharf, but declared them to be not true.

When asked about other recent purchases on the Sunshine Coast, the spokeswoman denied any had been made by the group.

“We always have our eye out for opportunities and that could be where the misconception (regarding The Wharf) came from,” she said.

Originally published as Comiskey Group deny purchasing The Wharf, racks up lobby meetings