- The Crisafulli Government has approved the development application for the Dreamworld Masterplan, securing new tourism investment and housing supply on the northern Gold Coast.
- Approval follows the Deputy Premier's call-in and assessment of the application against the State's housing, tourism and infrastructure priorities.
- During their decade of decline, Labor stifled development and failed to deliver critical housing for Queenslanders.
- The decision delivers on the Crisafulli Government's commitment to support tourism, deliver a place to call home for more Queenslanders, get Queensland building again after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government has approved the Dreamworld Masterplan, delivering certainty for one of Queensland's most iconic tourism destinations and paving the way for a major new mixed-use tourism and housing development that will transform the northern Gold Coast over the coming decade.
The approval follows Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie's decision in October 2025 to call in the development application, at the request of the City of Gold Coast Mayor and with the support of Dreamworld and other key stakeholders, to ensure the proposal was assessed against the full range of State interests and progressed in a timely way.
The approved 55.3-hectare masterplan covers land including and adjacent to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World and will guide future development across four key precincts including:
- Continued operation and expansion of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World theme parks.
- Low-impact eco-tourism experiences including viewing platforms, boardwalks and guided tours.
- Tourist attractions, theme park rides, short-term accommodation, resort complexes, hospitality and entertainment venues.
- High-density residential and mixed-use development, including multiple dwellings, residential care facilities, retirement facilities, rooming accommodation, short-term accommodation, resort complexes, alongside tourist attractions, retail, business and hospitality uses.
After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is restoring confidence by making timely decisions that support investment, grow the State's economy and deliver for Queenslanders.
The approval includes conditions to enable staged delivery of the project, ensure additional approvals are obtained where required, and maintain compliance with the Dreamworld Development Code.
In addition to this, there are multiple conditions which relate to traffic and ensuring that the local road network is incrementally upgraded as development occurs on the site.
The approval includes conditions to enable staged delivery of the project, ensure additional approvals are obtained where required, and maintain compliance with the Dreamworld Development Code.
Dreamworld has invested more than $180 million in its operations over the past four years, supporting more than 1,000 direct new jobs on the Gold Coast.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the approval demonstrated the Crisafulli Government was restoring certainty and confidence to Queensland's tourism and investment sectors after a decade of decline under Labor.
"This approval gives Dreamworld the certainty it needs to invest in its future, create jobs and secure this iconic Queensland destination for generations to come," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Queensland is open for business again, and we're backing projects that create jobs, attract investment, increase housing supply and strengthen our tourism industry.
"This approval is about more than one project—it's about giving investors the confidence that Queensland has a government focused on delivery, not delay.
"A stronger economy means a better lifestyle for Queenslanders, and that's exactly what we're delivering by backing projects that support jobs, tourism and housing ahead of the 2032 Games."
Minister for the Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the approval sent a clear message that the Crisafulli Government was providing the certainty the tourism industry had been calling for.
"During Labor's decade of decline, Queensland's tourism industry faced uncertainty and unnecessary delays but the Crisafulli Government is reversing this by providing clear, timely decisions that give businesses the confidence to invest," Minister Powell said.
"The tourism industry told us they needed certainty, and the Crisafulli Government is delivering it.
"Tourism supports one in every eleven Queensland jobs, and approvals like this help ensure Queensland remains Australia's premier tourism destination while supporting local businesses and communities."
Member for Theodore Mark Boothman said the approval demonstrated the Crisafulli Government's commitment to backing projects that delivered real economic benefits for the Gold Coast while investing in the region's future.
"By backing this investment in, we're supporting local jobs, boosting tourism and giving businesses the confidence to invest in the Gold Coast," Mr Boothman said.
"It's a win for our local economy today and for future generations who will benefit from a stronger, more vibrant tourism industry."
Member for Coomera Michael Crandon said the approval of the Dreamworld Masterplan was a major vote of confidence in the northern Gold Coast, paving the way for new tourism investment, local jobs and long-term economic growth.
"Dreamworld has been an icon of our community for generations, and this approval secures its future while creating new opportunities for local businesses, workers and families," Mr Crandon said.
"This world-class tourism precinct will attract more visitors, support more jobs and strengthen the northern Gold Coast as one of Queensland's premier destinations."
Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong said the approval was a genuinely exciting outcome and laid the foundation for a landmark precinct that would help shape this part of the region for generations. "This precinct stands out as one of the most compelling mixed-use development opportunities in the country," Mr Yong said.
"With a shortage of quality hotel accommodation between the northern Gold Coast and Brisbane, and momentum building towards the 2032 Games, we're well placed to help close that gap, while also delivering new amenity, jobs, and much-needed housing close to heavy rail. "We welcome the Queensland Government's support for private investment that helps drive sustainable growth."
