Tourists waiting to flock to the Clarence Valley's newest tourist attraction have been told to be patient.
The word around the traps was that Angourie's Big Billabong, which was estimated to be costing its proprietor about $10million to construct, would open for day trippers' viewing early in 2009.
However, the latest goss is that the owner Gordon Merchant won't be moving into his Angourie premises anytime soon. Furthermore, the cost of the project is now said to be close to the $16million mark.
The Gold Coast Bulletin reports that plans for the massive beach shack were lodged with the Clarence Valley Council in 2002 and when The Bulletin first visited the building site in October, 2007, it had already been under construction for three years.At that time a builder on the site said the house would be finished in three to six months.
Well, those deadlines have come and gone and as our latest pictures show, there is still plenty of work to be done.
A member of the nearby Yamba Rugby Club, who wished to remain anonymous, said there were rumours the cost had blown out from $10 million or $12 million to $16 million.
"It's taken a long time generally because if he (Mr Merchant) is not happy with something he just gets it changed as it goes along," he said.
"It's taken a while, so everyone is looking forward to being invited to the opening party."
Mr Merchant can afford to be picky.
The man who founded the international clothing and accessories company Billabong on the Gold Coast in 1973 is worth an estimated $805 million.
He has long been a fan of Angourie, 5km south of Yamba in northern NSW, which boasts some of the best waves in Australia.
Another Angourie local said Mr Merchant was often seen about town.
"I was surfing the other day prior to Christmas and he was in this perfect Billabong wetsuit," he said.
"Their family is often seen around town. The house is taking a long time because he includes nothing but the best.
"The local tradies aren't complaining."
The mansion has totem poles sitting in gardens, five garages and a pool that spills over as a fountain between the garage doors.
It is built on four house-blocks and will be one of the biggest homes in Australia.
The mansion has a copper roof, which already has a tinge of green due to exposure to the elements, and is built from sandstone.
Besides the mansion at Angourie, Mr Merchant is believed to be investing heavily in and around Yamba.
His helicopter is often heard flying the divorced father of four into the town.
Mr Merchant recently won approval to build a helipad at the house to transport his young son interstate for medical treatment.
He also offered to make the helipad available to the Yamba community for emergency services. It has landing lights that can be activated by telephone.
That sort of community spirit has helped to win over Angourie locals.
"There are those with a little envy, but despite his obvious wealth and helicopter there is no real showiness about him," said a resident.
