Kalgoorlie’s Desert Resort Hits the Rough: Millions Spent, Construction Stalled
The development of a $22 million, 122-room resort at the popular Kalgoorlie Golf Course in Western Australia is in a protracted deadlock, marred by potential legal action, the collapse of a key developer, and the expenditure of millions in ratepayer funds. Announced in September 2017 with the goal of boosting regional tourism and offsetting the course’s hefty operational losses—which were $3.67 million for 2024-25—the project, slated to be run by DoubleTree by Hilton, has barely progressed beyond preparatory work eight years later.
A Costly Stalemate
The City of Kalgoorlie-Boulder committed $12.5 million to foundational works. Mayor Glenn Wilson confirmed the city completed essential services like earthworks, water, and power connections, including the crucial installation of about 500 pilings into bedrock to prevent the resort from sinking into the site’s former life as a rubbish tip. Council documents reveal the city has continued spending on the project, including over $11,000 on legal advice in September, highlighting a severe deterioration in its relationship with the developer. The City’s CEO, Andrew Brien, stated that updates are expected early next year, acknowledging the community’s demand for answers.
Developer Uncertainty and Collapse
The project has faced significant turbulence behind the scenes. The original named developer, Collab Capital (formerly Pacifica Developments), confirmed it has severed its involvement. Attention then shifted to Nedlands-registered Ausglobal Construction Pty Ltd, which appeared in council documents. However, Ausglobal collapsed into administration in July last year, with 108 creditors seeking over $6.1 million. The company’s logos have since been removed from the site, and the administration process concluded last December. Market sources suggest the project’s current cost could now exceed $60 million.
Future of WA PGA Championship at Risk
Despite the development turmoil, the Kalgoorlie Golf Course itself remains a high-calibre venue, hosting the prestigious WA PGA Championship since 2012. The course has won multiple Regional Golf Course of the Year awards. While the PGA of Australia has no immediate plans to move the $250,000 tournament, the lack of suitable local accommodation—forcing many of the 120 professional golfers to board with local families—puts its long-term hosting rights at risk when the current agreement expires in 2026. The fenced-off resort site near the 18th green served as a visible reminder of the ongoing delays during the most recent championship.
