Residents in the Blue Mountains typically prioritize preservation over property development. Yet, millionaire Sydney investor Jerry Schwartz challenges this norm with ambitious projects at his resorts in Leura.
New Amusement Attractions Proposed
Schwartz owns the Fairmont Resort, acquired 15 years ago, and purchased the Leura Gardens Resort two years ago for $25 million. On March 25, he submitted a development application to install a rollercoaster, double-decker carousel, and indoor climbing area at the Fairmont Resort, with an estimated cost of $148,500.
Site plans position the rollercoaster near the northeast carpark, the carousel south by the tennis court, and the climbing gym inside the main house. Schwartz describes the rollercoaster as small and emphasizes its tourism benefits. “When I bought the Fairmont back in 2011, the local community was desperate for the hotel to be revived, as it was an essential component of the region’s tourism infrastructure and had been totally disregarded,” he states. “The Fawlty Towers reputation meant the community lost jobs and income and its decline damaged the Blue Mountains’ tourism reputation.”
Schwartz positions the resort as a powerful economic contributor to the area.
Investor Background and Recent Setbacks
A former surgeon now focused on hospitality, Schwartz ranks as Australia’s largest private hotel investor. His portfolio includes Sofitel Darling Harbour, Hilton Surfers Paradise, Mercure Hotels in Sydney and Canberra, and Ibis hotels in Sydney’s World Square and King Street Wharf.
This rollercoaster proposal marks the latest in a string of applications. A helipad plan for guest convenience faced rejection by a council panel this month due to noise concerns. “It wasn’t [going to be] in anybody’s backyard, and was planned for the rear of the hotel to minimise any impact,” Schwartz notes.
Another proposal for a $77,000 illuminated welcome sign drew opposition from residents and the Leura Community Alliance, who likened its design to the Las Vegas strip marquee. Schwartz intends to appeal the decision in the Land and Environment Court. The exhibition period for the amusement attractions ends May 6.
Jackie O Attends Anzac Day Rugby Clash
Radio host Jackie Henderson, pursuing $82 million in compensation from her former employer ARN Media, skipped a recent Federal Court hearing but appeared publicly at the Anzac Day Sydney Roosters versus St George Illawarra Dragons match.
Henderson watched from the Trust Suite at Allianz Stadium, hosted by former NRL chief executive David Gallop, a neighbor. She joined fashion designer Pip Edwards and others, including former prime minister John Howard and his wife Janette, ex-NRL executives John Quayle and David Gallop, Venues NSW board member Ian Roberts, Roosters board member Mark Bouris, and Australian Olympic Committee chief executive Mark Arbib.
This follows her appearance at the Her Best Life retreat earlier this month, a $2600 event headlined by Meghan Markle and organized by her agent Gemma O’Neill.
