It looks like a multi-million dollar makeover could be on the way for Dreamworld, with the State Government throwing its support behind a massive expansion of the theme park.
It’s proposed using special call-in powers to take over the decision-making on the proposal, which includes hotels, a residential development, more tourism offerings and restaurants.
Deputy Premier and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie has written to Council and the theme park, giving them 20 days to have their say on whether or not he should or shouldn’t call-in the application.
It follows a direct request by Mayor Tom Tate back in June to call-in the project, which is supported by Dreamworld and other key stakeholders.
Dreamworld’s development application permits the business to develop its landholdings into four key areas including a major tourism core, nature-based tourism precinct, gateway precinct and town centre transition precinct.
The major tourism core would allow Dreamworld and White Water World to continue operating as theme parks while the nature-based tourism precinct would allow for low-impact eco-tourism opportunities including viewing platforms, eco-tourism cabins and boardwalks.
The gateway precinct would become an extension of the theme park and enable for uses such as short-term accommodation, a resort complex, hospitality and entertainment venues.
While the town centre transition precinct would allow for further residential and accommodation opportunities.
Mr Bleijie said that, if approved, the development would secure the future of the Gold Coast icon.
“Dreamworld has been an icon of the Gold Coast for more than four decades and this major mixed-use tourism and housing precinct development is set to future-proof the theme park for decades to come,” he said.
“In partnership with the Gold Coast City Council, the Crisafulli Government is reducing red and green tape to fast-track more investment into Queensland’s tourism offering.
“We are getting on with the job of backing industry and local councils to supercharge job-creating investment.
“This proposed call-in notice will take into consideration the tourism benefits of this development along with the critical road infrastructure required to keep the northern Gold Coast moving.”
The fate of the project is expected to be decided by late September.
