Thousands of trees could be removed under theme park expansion
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie has warned Dreamworld’s multi-million dollar expansion faces significant environmental hurdles over plans to clear 42,285sqm of koala habitat.
Deputy Premier Jarrod Bleijie says a planned multi-million dollar development at Dreamworld will face major environmental hurdles.
The state government earlier this month revealed it was prepared to consider fast-tracking the project – to include hotels, high density residential development, function centres and restaurants – via a call-in process.
Mr Bleijie said the proposed expansion of the Coomera theme park represented a great tourism opportunity and would boost employment and housing.
“However, there are significant environmental matters related to the proposal that require careful consideration,” he said in his call-in notice to council.
Councillors will debate government call-in and recommend conditions at a full council meeting on Tuesday.
Planning searches reveal Dreamworld intends to remove about 42,285sqm of koala habitat.
“However, this clearing has been drastically minimised to only seek the removal of necessary trees from within the mapped area,” a town planner in a report for the theme park says.
In its development application Dreamworld included a koala management plan which includes having spotters on site.
An ecological report prepared by the theme park’s town planners showed there were 68 records of koalas living within two kilometres of the Coomera property.
Assessment of 39 trees at the site found nine had scratching on their canopies along with evidence on the ground of koala scats.
“A result of the proposed development is the threat of potential impact and risk to koala that may arise or be temporarily intensified,” an ecological report said.
“The applicant is highly committed to ensuring these potential threats and risks have minimal impacts on any koala individuals that may be present within the subject site.”
About 2724 trees could be removed, resulting in the loss of 37,572sqm of mapped koala habitat
Wildlife Queensland Gold Coast hinterland leader Sally Spain said the development application would require Federal Government intervention in the approval process.
“Koalas are on site, a species listed as endangered toward extinction, and a thorough environmental assessment should be done,” Ms Spain said.
“And importantly, the matter should be referred to the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Act, before any action is taken. This action must occur before any decision.”
Ms Spain said council should be applauded for its “good endeavours” in buying much needed koala habitats in recent years.
“More should have been done in the preceding decade to purchase habitat, the loss of which is a key factor in the local decline,” she said.
“Dreamworld has been a good corporate citizen, in terms of sponsoring via funding koala rescue with regard to volunteer groups and its key role in tiger preservation, a species also in radical decline.
“However, Commonwealth oversight is necessary on this matter and should occur.”
Dreamworld has Kenny and Belinda as koala mascots, and through its wildlife foundation has helped breed koalas to boost wild populations.
Mr Bleijie said the proposal for a mixed use development on the theme park’s 55.3 hectare site would trigger the economic and environmental interests of the State.
Four precincts would be created ranging from hotels, to a retirement facility and residential care and include a nature-based tourism area.
The development is described as a “town centre transition” project with 13 buildings as high as 16 levels planned.
In a letter to the Deputy Premier requesting the call-in Mayor Tom Tate said Dreamworld owner Coastal Entertainment Holdings had invested more than $180m into the theme park in the past four years, supporting more than 1000 jobs.
He said Dreamworld’s planned investment aligned with the government’s plan for Queensland to be a global leader in eco-tourism.
He said the development would also boost housing supply and provide employment to the construction industry.
“Providing certainty for the proponent and reducing time frames is essential and your support for council’s resolution would be greatly appreciated,” the Mayor wrote.
City planners had been assessing the DA until Mr Bleijie earlier this month, announced the call-in, which effectively fast tracks the project and hands all powers to the state government.
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