Here’s the latest I can share based on recent publicly reported coverage.
Justin Hemmes has been in the news for ongoing development at a Byron Bay venue he owns, including work that sparked a council enforcement action for not obtaining a second development application (DA). The construction activity has continued under what’s described as prior approvals, with his team visible on-site and plans to expand the site into Byron Bay’s largest venue. This was reported in November 2025 and linked to his broader Byron Bay expansion efforts.[1]
Coverage also notes Hemmes’ broader hospitality empire and high-profile lifestyle presence, including ongoing interest around his Merivale group and related ventures in Sydney and beyond, though many articles focus on business and lifestyle profiles rather than breaking political news. This context helps explain why his projects frequently appear in entertainment and business sections.[5][8]
For additional context, there have been various older profiles and pieces about Hemmes’ property acquisitions and venture expansion in Sydney, Coogee, and other locations, illustrating the breadth of his portfolio and public profile. These pieces are retrospective but help frame his ongoing activity in hospitality and real estate.[2][9]
Note: If you’d like, I can pull more precise, up-to-date items from specific outlets (e.g., major Australian outlets like The Sydney Morning Herald, The Australian, or domain-focused real estate coverage) and summarize any key developments with dates and quotes. I can also set up a quick timeline or a small chart showing the sequence of publicly reported updates on the Byron Bay project. Would you like me to do that?
Citations:
Pub titan Justin Hemmes courts controversy almost as well as he courts women. He's Mr Entertainment with an impressive collection of 33 venues under his Merivale umbrella and has created decadent bars and restaurants which serve as a backdrop for the city's young and glamorous party set.
www.hospitalitydirectory.com.au"What's a playboy? Someone who has a lot of fun? Maybe I'm guilty of that..."
dmarge.comJustin Hemmes expands his hospitality empire to the northern beaches of Sydney with The Collaroy. Locals can expect inner-city Sydney crowds.
www.realestate.com.auUse the CB Insights Platform to explore Justin Hemmes's full profile.
www.cbinsights.comJustin Hemmes is clearly keeping a close eye on his latest venture. He’s recently bought the top-floor apartment in the oceanfront reserve block Faimer Gardens for $2.1 million, which has a convenient view of his Coogee Pavilion.
www.domain.com.auLooking for Justin Hemme in Concordia, Missouri? Found 81 people named Justin Hemme along with free Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok search on PeekYou - true people search.
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