Dreamworld's massive expansion plan approved despite koala population concerns
‘This is a win for tourism. It’s a win for jobs. It’s a win for housing. It’s a win for retail and hospitality industry.’
The Queensland government has approved Dreamworld’s ambitious expansion plan, paving the way for a massive transformation of the northern Gold Coast theme park precinct.
The operator has been given the green light to build on adjacent land, growing the area by another 30 hectares.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Dreamworld’s major expansion approved
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The plans mean Dreamworld and Whitewater World will no longer operate as just theme parks; the bold vision includes developing a hotel, a retail and hospitality precinct, and residential homes. A nature tourism area is also planned for the site.
“This is a win for tourism,” deputy premier Jarrod Bleije said on Monday. “It’s a win for jobs. It’s a win for housing. It’s a win for retail and [the] hospitality industry.”
To address traffic concerns, Dreamworld has committed around $5 million to improving the local road network.
However, the expansion has sparked fears for the area’s dwindling koala population, with the site located in a known wildlife corridor.
“It’s a really sad situation that we’ll only be able to see koalas in the cages at Dreamworld and not in the bushland,” a concerned resident said.
Originally published on 7NEWS
