Gold Coast theme parks ‘too important to fail’ over Federal Government loan negotiations

The Federal government has been told the Gold Coast’s embattled theme parks are “too important to fail”, with small businesses across the city relying on their success.

THE Gold Coast’s reliance on its embattled theme parks - which attract seven million visitors annually - mean they’re “too important to fail”, city tourism leaders say.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista called the Village Roadshow and Dreamworld parks “major drawcards” while State Tourism Shadow David Crisafulli said they were “simply too important to fail” yesterday.

Destination Gold Coast CEO Annaliese Battista. Pic Mike Batterham

Mayor Tom Tate said as the city emerged from the coronavirus pandemic “it’s critical our theme parks are ready to put their best foot forward as visitors return.

“We know what a drawcard they are for the Gold Coast and if funding ensures they can keep operating through this tough time, I hope it can be made available to them.”

Their comments come after the sudden collapse of bridging loan negotiations – to get the parks through the coronavirus downturn – was revealed in the Bulletin yesterday. The loans would have delivered millions in funding support from the Federal Government.

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The decision – described as a “kick in the guts” by Queensland Tourism Minister Kate Jones – means eight-figure loans earmarked for Village Roadshow and Ardent Leisure’s Dreamworld have now been taken off the table.

With both Village and Ardent bleeding up to $15 million and $10 million each month respectively, Ms Battista said: “As a major employer across tourism, hospitality and events, Gold Coast theme parks inject hundreds of millions of dollars annually into the economy.

“They have a significant impact on the city’s economic wellbeing. Our destination messaging entices visitors to come and play on the Gold Coast and in our theme parks because there is nowhere else in Australia to go for this.

The theme parks have been labelled vital to the city’s survival. (AAP Image/Dave Hunt)

“Theme parks are a major drawcard and our data shows they are one of the most loved activities that visitors indulge and splurge on.”

She added seven million people visit them annually calling them “a must-visit iconic attraction for young families and high spending travellers”.

Federal Tourism Minster Simon Birmingham rejected a suggestion the Morrison Government had turned its back on the theme parks, pointing to JobKeeper payments and taking a swipe at ongoing border blockades.

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But Mr Crisafulli said the parks were “simply too important to fail”.

“Not just for those who work there but for an entire city that survives on the armies of visitors who make a beeline for the Coast because of them,” he said.

“I would love to see extra assistance from the Federal Government and it might yet come in the form of an extended JobKeeper. The State Government has to realise the importance of their survival and must do whatever it takes to keep them alive.

Queensland LNP member for Broadwater David Crisafulli. (AAP Image/Glenn Hunt)

“We could start by allowing those tourists desperate to come across the border to provide the greatest form of assistance there is, a viable commercial offering.”

Village CEO Clarke Kirby declined to comment but confirmed he was in “deep discussion” with State Government.

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Speaking to the Bulletin after the parks relaunch plan was announced earlier this month, chief operating officer Bikash Randhawa said the group’s struggle had far-reaching ramifications.

“There’s a lot of small businesses that rely on us,” he said at the time. “(The closure) wasn’t just about the people directly employed by Village Roadshow, this is about the massive supply chain.

“Local businesses, restaurants, accommodation were all eagerly waiting for us to open so they could start planning, because if the theme parks open and we do well, the city does well.

“There are lots of people that feed off us being here. Realistically, there is no tourism without theme parks.”

Village Roadshow boss Clark Kirby announces the reopening of the theme parks at Sea World. Picture Glenn Hampson

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the deal collapse was concerning, adding she believed theme parks were relying on Federal Government support: “We’ve put in State Government support. I understand the Minister for Tourism is speaking to her federal counterpart about these matters.

“It’s a very serious issue and it comes down to hundreds of jobs. Hundreds are employed in theme parks, they play a very important role and we wouldn’t want to see those jobs put at risk.”

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The Bulletin asked Gold Coast Federal LNP MPs Moncrieff’s Angie Bell and Fadden’s Stuart Robert where they stood. Ms Bell’s spokesperson said to talk to Mr Birmingham’s office and Mr Robert’s office didn’t reply.