Dreamworld development plan moves a step closer
The Queensland Government has officially taken over the approval process for the proposed Dreamworld masterplan, which will include a mix of hotels and apartments towers.
The State Government issued the call-in notice after a direct request by City of Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate.
The call-in notice means Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie will determine whether the plan receives the green light.
The application, lodged by Dreamworld owner Coast Entertainment Holdings, covers a 55.3-hectare precinct adjacent to Dreamworld and WhiteWater World.
If approved, the application would put in place a masterplan for future development of mix of tourism, business, community, recreational, and residential projects.
Coomera has long been touted as a site for a future town centre, similar to what has been developed at Robina.
The proposed development would allow Dreamworld to expand its theme park operations, create a nature-based tourism precinct, create a “Gateway Precinct” comprising hotels, resorts, hospitality, and entertainment venues; and a “Town Centre Transition Precinct” for housing, shops and businesses.
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.
“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.”
Member for Theodore Mark Boothman said the Dreamworld site had enormous potential to boost tourism and create affordable housing.
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,” Cr 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 the State Government decision was a “big step forward and a real turning point for the Northern Gold Coast’.
“We want to see this region thrive, and this development can help make that happen,’’ Mr Yong said.
“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.”
Meanwhile Coast Entertainment Holdings says Dreamworld is enjoying strong results.
“Both the winter and recent spring school holiday periods performed strongly, contributing to the solid trading performance and further reinforcing the growing appeal of Rivertown,’’ said Company Secretary Chris Todd in a statement to the Australian Stock Exchange.
“For the 17 weeks ended 21 October 2025, attendance increased by 34% compared to the same period last year.
“Ticket sales also grew by 59% on the prior corresponding period, exceeding FY16 YTD levels, supported by increased promotional activity and targeted sales campaigns.
“This has contributed to a meaningful uplift in operating revenue and EBITDA compared to the prior period.”
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