A Dreamworld bid to expand its operations into non-tourism sectors could be fast-tracked after the Queensland Government took charge of the approvals process.
The state government has issued a call-in notice at the request of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
The move will enable Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie to treat a proposed Dreamworld 55-hectare expansion masterplan as of state significance and fast-track the process.
And koala trees are likely to be cleared under the masterplan, government documents acknowledge.
MORE DETAILS: Click here to read the government’s call-in notice in full
The proposed masterplan from park owners Coast Entertainment Operations, calls for a 55.3ha precinct adjacent to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, featuring a mixture of tourism, business, community, recreational and residential uses.
The operators not only want to keep the theme parks running but want a new eco-tourism nature precinct (guided tours, board walks, viewing platforms), a gateway precinct (short-term stays, resort, hotels and venues) and a town centre to handle housing, accommodation, retail, business and hospitality businesses.
MORE DREAMWORLD, LESS KOALAS
The notice itself states: “The development site is heavily vegetated with native vegetation and koala habitat trees.
“The development proposes to facilitate staged clearing of native vegetation across precincts 1, 3 and 4 to support future development under the preliminary approval, with no clearing proposed in Precinct 2.”
The proposal could clear 42,285 square metres of koala habitat, including 1071 trees, media reports state.
The same report states that koalas cannot be legally removed from the site; the animal has to move on of its own accord.
MPs WELCOME MOVE
Bleijie calls the masterplan a possible “once-in-a-generation opportunity” to turn what he says is underutilised land into a mixed-use precinct.
“Queensland is now open for business under the Crisafulli Government …” he says.
“Calling in the application allows the state to take a holistic view of the development, ensuring that the local road network is given due consideration as part of the development assessment.”
Environment and Tourism Minister Andrew Powell claims to be delivering more certainty for the tourism industry.
“The tourism industry has told us they need more certainty and more timely decisions when it comes to assessing proposals,” he says.
“Tourism contributes one in 11 jobs in Queensland. This proposal has the potential to help supercharge local businesses who rely on visitors.”
MP for Coomera Michael Crandon claims the call-in shows the government’s determination to deliver housing options and world-class tourism.
Theodore MP Mark Boothman claims the decision is a clear signal that the government is cutting through red tape.
Gold Coast Acting Mayor Mark Hammel welcomes the decision while Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong says they are pleased as well.
EARLIER STORY: Qld Govt eager to flatten roadblocks for Dreamworld
