Opinion: Why I renewed my Dreamworld annual pass

The damning findings of the Dreamworld inquest moved this reporter to a surprising decision. VOTE IN OUR POLL

AFTER the scathing findings of this week’s inquest, it is probably the last thing most people would do.

But I just renewed my Dreamworld annual pass.

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Because despite the lives lost, shattered or damaged beyond repair, I want to believe that Dreamworld can once again be that magical place famous for fun instead of being infamous for Australia’s worst theme park disaster in decades.

Incredibly, some family members of the victims have said they want Dreamworld — a place as much a part of the fabric of the Gold Coast as sun, sand and surf breaks — to carry on.

It is a place that employs over a thousand people and has delivered happy memories to generations of visitors.

Dreamworld bosses have already implemented a number of new safety measures at the them park. Picture: Adam Head

At the other end of the spectrum, other family members – and even some former staff, want the place burnt to the ground.

And who can blame them?

For them, Dreamworld is the scene of pain and anguish that most of us will never know. Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett, his partner Roozi Araghi and Cindy Low died on a ride many of us remember fondly as one of the tamest attractions in the park.

As a kid in the ’90s, in the days before Netflix and selfie sticks, a day at Dreamworld was almost as good as it gets.

As an adult, I have taken my own family there, posing for pictures with tiger cubs and enjoying the state-of-the-art flying theatre.

I want Dreamworld to continue welcoming guests for generations to come.

Reporter Jeremy Pierce has renewed his Dreamworld annual pass, despite the damning findings of the Thunder River Rapids inquest. Picture: Adam Head.

Yesterday, an online poll asking readers whether they would return knowing what we know now is split almost 50-50. It’s a fair question.

Based on the shocking evidence of the inquest, it is hard to keep the faith.

But I’m placing mine in Dreamworld that something like this will never happen again.

Already, the theme park is taking strides – a new management team has implemented sweeping safety overhauls designed to ensure there is no repeat of the tragedy.

I hope they have the chance to show us they are right.

Originally published as Opinion: Why I renewed my Dreamworld annual pass