World's Biggest Dinosaur Park: Council Approves Australian Billionaire Clive Palmer's Plans

Billionaire Gets Approval To Build World's Biggest Dinosaur Park
SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 13: A large model T-Rex dinosaur named Jeff is seen during round one of the Australian PGA at the Palmer Coolum Resort on December 13, 2012 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)
SUNSHINE COAST, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 13: A large model T-Rex dinosaur named Jeff is seen during round one of the Australian PGA at the Palmer Coolum Resort on December 13, 2012 in Sunshine Coast, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

Good news, dinosaur enthusiasts: Australian billionaire Clive Palmer's dinosaur park is a go.

The Sunshine Coast regional council unanimously approved the businessman's plans to build the world's biggest dinosaur park at his Palmer Coolum Resort property Thursday morning, local media report.

While Palmer's initial proposal was met with nearly 200 objections -- such as worries over noise and the unsightliness of the replicas -- the council ultimately decided the dinosaur park may bring more customers to the resort. The billionaire, who made his fortune in mining, also received approval to construct a vintage car museum.

The dinosaur park will be allowed to feature 160 robotic replicas on the grounds. Palmer had ordered 117 animatronic dinosaurs in April before his plans were approved. The new models will join the several dinosaurs that have already been erected at the resort, including a nearly 28-foot Tyrannosaurus rex named "Jeff."

As The Courier-Mail notes, the dinosaurs replicas will be restricted to a fenced-in area, encompassing 3.2 acres of the 370.6-acre resort.

Palmer's approved plans were scaled back from his original proposal, which was much more extravagant.

"It's a very small, low-key dinosaur display at best," council member Jason O'Pray told the Australian Associated Press. "This is not Disneyland. It is not a theme park."

Before You Go

10. Canada

The 10 Countries With The Most Billionaires

Popular in the Community

Close

What's Hot