Editorial: Dreamworld important to tourism and deserves a fresh start under CEO John Osborne

In a state where tourism contributes $25 billion to the economy and directly employs nearly 140,000 people, Dreamworld is an important part of the mix, writes THE EDITOR

IT is no overstatement to describe Dreamworld as a Queensland icon.

Conceived on a long-distance flight by modest former truckie John Longhurst who went on to become one of the state’s most successful entrepreneurs, the theme park has helped shape the state’s tourism industry since first opening its gates 37 years ago this month.

Dreamworld CEO John Osborne. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Along with Sea World and, later, Movie World, Wet’n’Wild and WhiteWater World, it has become an integral part of the Gold Coast holiday experience for millions of visitors. Generations of Australians have enjoyed its attractions.

So the terrible tragedy in October 2016, in which four people were killed on Dreamworld’s Thunder River Rapids ride, cut deep and wide. One of those affected was the park’s new chief executive officer John Osborne who, in an exclusive interview with The Courier-Mail today, admits being brought to tears when the news broke.

Like so many of us that day, his mind went back to the happy times spent there as part of a young family; the excitement and joy of a place suddenly cast under a pall of horror and grief.

But he also wondered what he might be able to do to help. And now he has his opportunity as the man charged with leading the theme park at Coomera into a new era.

Dreamworld’s owners, the ASX-listed Ardent Leisure Group, has made a strong choice appointing Mr Osborne to head its theme parks division.

The tragedy of October 2016, when four people were killed on Dreamworld’s Thunder River Rapids ride, cut deep and wide. Picture: NIGEL HALLETT

He brings a wealth of experience gained over a quarter of a century in a career that includes leadership positions with chains such as Lantern Hotel Group, NextGen Health and Lifestyle Clubs, Accor Vacation Club and what is now the Crown Perth casino resort.

None of them have carried the challenge he now faces of returning Dreamworld to its position as one of the country’s pre-eminent tourism attractions; of drawing the crowds of visitors back; of once again making it a place of happy memories rather than tragic connotations.

His first task is to restore severely shaken public confidence.

The coronial inquest into the death of Kate Goodchild, Luke Dorsett, Roozi Araghi and Cindy Low which concluded two weeks ago after six months of evidence, exposed a litany of flaws and omissions in the park’s regime of safety policies, procedures and practices.

Ardent Leisure has already introduced changes to the way it operates, including implementing a rigorous series of emergency drills. It has – as, of course, it should – undertaken to fully implement all of the Coroner’s recommendations.

Generations of Australians have enjoyed the Dreamworld attractions and made valuable childhood memories at the theme park. Picture: AAP/John Gass

It is encouraging to hear Mr Osborne talk about the aviation industry as the benchmark for safety standards, going forward. Getting that right is the most important challenge.

But Mr Osborne is correct in identifying the need, also, to rediscover a “wow factor”. Today’s world is very different to that of the 1980s when Dreamworld welcomed its first visitors. Technology has delivered a world of entertainment unimagined back then.

Just as the arrival of theme parks brought an exciting new alternative or addition to the traditional sun, sea and sand holiday, today’s tourists increasingly seek out experiences, be they natural, cultural or culinary.

Theme parks remain a major drawcard and in a state where tourism contributes $25 billion to the economy and directly employs nearly 140,000 people, Dreamworld is an important part of the mix.

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TATTS VOTE A STEP TOWARDS EQUALITY

BRISBANE’S historic Tattersall’s Club squeezed its way into the 21st Century last night.

One of the state’s last bastions of male exclusivity fell as members voted to end 153 years of men-only membership. It was a narrow margin – the mere 37 votes separating the “yes” supporters from those in the “no” camp meant the vote was carried 50.7 per cent to 49.3 per cent.

It is extraordinary to reflect that the decision to allow women to join as full members was more divisive than last year’s plebiscite on same-sex marriage.

The debate and the build-up to last night’s vote was bitter and, in some cases, downright nasty.

Tattersalls Club has been a male bastion and last night’s vote is symbolic of a wider issue and attitudinal change within society. Picture: AAP/David Clark

The divisions within the membership run deep and the shouts of “shame” that greeted the result suggest they will not be healed quickly.

It could be tempting to dismiss this as an internal squabble among members of an archaic organisation which the vast majority of Queenslanders will never have anything to do with.

But the Tatts battle is symbolic of a wider issue and of attitudinal change within society.

This is a club which has traditionally attracted some of the state’s leading movers and shakers – policymakers, captains of industry. For some, excluding women from full membership carried the inference that they were also unwelcome in the broader “boys’ club” of influence.

The gender equality gap in Australia is wide and, according to the latest international report card – published just this week – growing.

The Global Gender Gap annual report released by the World Economic Forum ranks Australia at 39th out of 149 countries overall, down from 35th last year.

Many organisations are trying to address the inequity genuinely and there have been improvements.

The proportion of women on the boards of ASX 200 listed companies, for example, has climbed from 8 per cent to 26 per cent in a decade.

Despite wins like that at Tatts last night, women still have a long way to go to have equal representation.

Responsibility for election comment is taken by Sam Weir, corner of Mayne Rd & Campbell St, Bowen Hills, Qld 4006. Printed and published by NEWSQUEENSLAND (ACN 009 661 778). Contact details are available at couriermail.com.au