- The Crisafulli Government issues call-in notice for Dreamworld Masterplan to unlock more more tourism and housing.
- Reset planning partnership with councils could unlock vital new homes and hotel beds on the northern Gold Coast
- The Crisafulli Government is delivering a fresh start and a plan for Queensland's future.
The Crisafulli Government has issued a call-in notice for the proposed Dreamworld Masterplan – a major mixed-use tourism and housing development which could transform the northern Gold Coast.
This decision followed a direct request by City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate to call-in the development application which was supported by Dreamworld and other key stakeholders.
The call-in notice allows the Deputy Premier to assess whether the Dreamworld Masterplan development application considers all State interests in housing supply, tourism and economic development, environmental protections and infrastructure provision.
The application, lodged by Coast Entertainment Operations Limited, proposes a 55.3-hectare precinct adjacent to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World.
If approved, the application would put in place a masterplan to guide the future development of the site including a mix of tourism, business, community, recreational, and residential uses.
The proposed development would allow Dreamworld to expand its landholdings into four key precincts:
- Major Tourism Core: Continuing operations of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World as theme parks.
- Nature-Based Tourism Precinct: Enabling low-impact eco-tourism opportunities, including viewing platforms, boardwalks, and guided tours.
- Gateway Precinct: Supporting short-term accommodation, a resort complex, hospitality, and entertainment venues.
- Town Centre Transition Precinct: Facilitating housing, accommodation, retail, business and hospitality uses.
During their decade of decline, Labor stifled development and failed to deliver critical housing for Queenslanders.
This call-in notice is just another example of the Crisafulli Government's focus on new housing and tourism opportunities following the release of Destination 2045 – the Government's blueprint to make Queensland a must-visit destination for domestic and international travelers.
Dreamworld has invested over $180 million in its operations over the past four years, supporting more than 1,000 direct jobs on the Gold Coast.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning, Jarrod Bleijie, said the decision to issue a call-in notice highlighted the significance of the proposal for Queensland's long-term housing and tourism priorities.
"The Dreamworld Masterplan could be a once-in-a-generation opportunity to transform underutilised land into a vibrant mixed-use precinct that supports tourism, more housing and long-term local jobs," Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
"Under the former Labor Government, Dreamworld spent millions and wasted nearly two years as they fought for this mixed-use development which would futureproof this iconic theme park for decades to come and deliver significant economic and tourism benefits.
"Queensland is now open for business under the Crisafulli Government as we continue to deliver projects with a generational legacy ahead of 2032 and ease Labor's Housing Crisis after a decade of decline.
"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.
"This is about ensuring the right development happens in the right place, with the right oversight and a focus on local impact and infrastructure."
Minister for Environment and Tourism Andrew Powell said the Crisafulli Government was delivering for Queensland's economy.
"The tourism industry has told us they need more certainty, and more timely decisions when it comes to assessing proposals," said Minister Powell.
"Tourism contributes one in 11 jobs in Queensland, and this proposal has the potential to help supercharge local businesses who rely on visitors to employ more Queenslanders."
Member for Coomera Michael Crandon said the call-in demonstrated the Crisafulli Government's determination to deliver real housing options and world-class tourism.
"The Deputy Premier's decisive action shows we're serious about tackling Labor's Housing Crisis head-on while unlocking new tourism opportunities on the northern Gold Coast," Mr Crandon said.
Member for Theodore Mark Boothman said the Deputy Premier's decision was a clear signal that the Crisafulli Government was cutting through red tape and backing projects that delivered real benefits for Queenslanders.
"The Dreamworld site has enormous potential to boost local tourism and create housing that families can actually afford," Mr Boothman said.
City of Gold Coast Acting Mayor Mark Hammel welcomed the Deputy Premier's decision to call-in the Dreamworld Masterplan application.
"Dreamworld has been a key asset in the Gold Coast's tourism sector for more than four decades, and this decision will ensure further investment, supporting local jobs," Acting Mayor Hammel said.
"We look forward to new tourism product entering the market, as well as additional supply to our housing market."
Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong said Coast Entertainment was pleased the Crisafulli Government had decided to call-in the Dreamworld Masterplan.
"It's a big step forward and a real turning point for the Northern Gold Coast - one of the most exciting opportunities this region has seen in decades," Mr Yong said.
"We want to see this region thrive, and this development can help make that happen.
"We're genuinely grateful to the Crisafulli Government and Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie for their leadership - there's been more progress on this project in the past few months than we've seen in years.
"We're ready to work side-by-side with the State Government to get the final approvals through and bring this project to life as soon as possible."
