The Queensland Government has today issued a proposed call-in notice for a major mixed-use tourism and housing precinct development on the northern Gold Coast, following a direct request by City of Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, this morning wrote to the Council, Dreamworld, and submitters on the current application under assessment by Council – seeking their views for 20 business days as to whether he should or shouldn’t call-in the application.
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.
“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,” Deputy Premier Bleijie 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.”
Minister for the Environment and Tourism, Andrew Powell, welcomed the proposed call-in notice acknowledging the significant opportunity for increased investment in Queensland’s tourism product offering.
“This proposed call-in notice is yet another example of how the Crisafulli Government is backing our industry to grow and innovate,” Minister Powell said.
“Queensland is the home of the holiday and this proposed investment in new tourism and eco-tourism opportunities builds strongly on our existing strengths.”
Dreamworld CEO, Greg Yong thanked the Queensland Government for supporting tourism, job creation and housing ahead of the 2032 Games.
“We congratulate the Deputy Premier and the Queensland Government on walking their talk – backing their strong rhetoric on Queensland being open for business with decisive action that supports tourism, job creation, housing and 2032 Games readiness,” Mr Yong said.
“We also thank Mayor Tom Tate and Deputy Mayor Mark Hammel for their unwavering support of Dreamworld and this project – they continue to be strong advocates for Gold Coast residents and businesses.
“As a listed company with a proven track record of investment in Queensland, we stand ready to deliver transformational projects which will address these key issues.
“This progress gives us tremendous confidence to support significant investment in Queensland.
“Capital flows to where it’s welcomed, and the Deputy Premier’s intervention sends a clear signal; Queensland values job-creating investment that benefits communities.”
