Born in Melbourne in 1954, mining entrepreneur, director and owner of Mineralogy Pty Ltd and CEO of Resourcehouse Ltd, Professor Clive Palmer is now Queensland’s richest man and could soon be named Australia’s wealthiest person following a $60 billion coal deal, the country’s largest, with the Chinese.
A self–made billionaire, Palmer made enough money from property investment in the mid-70s to retire when he was 29.
He then looked for other opportunities and chose the mining sector. Now Palmer’s portfolio includes huge iron ore and coal deposits, the Yabulu nickel refinery in Townsville and port terminals — and he has plans for a 500km rail line, creating tens of thousands of jobs from Western Australia to Queensland.
Owner of the Gold Coast United soccer team and a harness-racing horse stud, Palmer supports various causes and is currently establishing a private charitable foundation dedicated primarily to supporting medical research and the needs of Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara, WA.
He is a director of the Greg Norman Golf Foundation in Australia and was awarded a Life Membership of the Liberal National Party for his service and contribution to the Party. Palmer is also a benefactor to the Catholic Church.
This person has made the short list for the title National Living Treasure, this title is conferred when someone accomplishes an outstanding achievement, swelling the country’s consciousness with admiration, pride and acknowledgement... be they scientists or sports stars; actors, artists or Indigenous activists; politicians, philanthropists or explorers, The National Trust’s 2012 nominees are a true cross section of our country’s finest.
Click here to see the full nomination list and vote for your favourite.
