The richest people in Queensland are powerful figures in mining, property, waste management, and retail. From Brisbane to the Bowen Basin, these billionaires and multi-millionaires have shaped the state’s economic landscape. As of 2025, Queensland is home to several of Australia’s wealthiest individuals, whose influence extends both locally and internationally. This list ranks the top 10 richest people in Queensland, including their industries and estimated net worths in Australian Dollars (AUD) and U.S. Dollars (USD).
Top 10 Richest People in Queensland
1. Clive Palmer
- Industry: Mining
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 22.32 billion (~USD 14.7 billion)
- Overview: Owner of Mineralogy and a major political figure, Palmer is Queensland’s wealthiest individual, with vast iron ore holdings and growing influence in energy and media.
2. Sam Chong
- Industry: Mining
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 3.82 billion (~USD 2.5 billion)
- Overview: Chong gained his fortune through strategic investments in Queensland coal mines, becoming a notable figure in Australia’s resource sector.
3. Chris Wallin
- Industry: Mining
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 3.53 billion (~USD 2.3 billion)
- Overview: Founder of QCoal Group, Wallin operates several mines in Central Queensland and is one of Australia’s most discreet billionaires.
4. John Van Lieshout
- Industry: Property Development
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 2.91 billion (~USD 1.9 billion)
- Overview: Founder of Super A-Mart and now focused on residential development, Lieshout has become one of Brisbane’s biggest landholders.
5. John Richards & Family
- Industry: Waste Management
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 2.09 billion (~USD 1.4 billion)
- Overview: Owners of JJ Waste & Recycling, the family runs Australia’s largest private waste company, with operations across Australasia.
6. Bob Ell
- Industry: Property Development
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 2.43 billion (~USD 1.6 billion)
- Overview: Developer behind Leda Holdings, Ell has major commercial and residential investments in southeast Queensland and northern NSW.
7. Maha Sinnathamby
- Industry: Property Development
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 1.2 billion (~USD 790 million)
- Overview: Creator of Greater Springfield, Australia’s largest master-planned city development, located just outside Brisbane.
8. Gerry Harvey
- Industry: Retail
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 2.0 billion (~USD 1.3 billion)
- Overview: Co-founder of Harvey Norman, Harvey owns significant retail and real estate assets in Queensland.
9. Simon Dyer & Family
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 861 million (~USD 570 million)
- Overview: Proprietors of Sealy Posturepedic Australia, the Dyer family leads the premium bedding market with national and international sales.
10. Matt Latimore
- Industry: Coal Trading
- Estimated Net Worth: AUD 640 million (~USD 420 million)
- Overview: Founder of M Resources, Latimore specializes in metallurgical coal and global commodity trading from Brisbane.
Conclusion
The richest people in Queensland demonstrate the state’s dominance in mining, real estate, and logistics. Their companies employ thousands and influence regional development far beyond Australia. As of 2025, these figures not only define Queensland’s economic power but also stand tall in the national and global wealth rankings.
