Former Dreamworld boss Craig Davidson chosen as new CEO for Tourism and Events Queensland

The man in charge of Dreamworld at the time of the Thunder River Rapids tragedy, which left four people dead, has been appointed the new head of Queensland tourism.

The former boss of Dreamworld during the Thunder River Rapids tragedy has been appointed to Queensland tourism’s top job.

Craig Davidson, a proud Queenslander who went to school with Keith Urban at Caboolture State High School, beat out a host of other applicants for the role of CEO at Tourism and Events Queensland and brings some 35 years of industry experience to the role.

His appointment ends a five-month international search to find a replacement for former CEO Patricia O’Callaghan, who shocked the tourism sector last November by quitting the prestigious post to take on the role of director-general for the state government’s department of Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation.

Incoming Tourism and Events Queensland CEO Craig Davidson. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Mr Davidson will report for duty on Monday and in a statement said he was excited to step into the role at a “pivotal time to contribute to shaping the future of tourism in Queensland”.

State Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said Mr Davidson had “infectious energy for Queensland” which would be “a great asset” in the lead-up to the 2032 Olympics.

Mr Davidson was at the helm at Dreamworld when four people died on the popular Thunder River ride in October 2016 and was often seen as the face of the theme park in the months and years that followed before his resignation in 2018 during a damning coronial inquest.

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Dreamworld inquest: Coroner James McDougall delivers his findings on Thunder River Rapids disaster

While the Dreamworld inquest highlighted severe shortcomings in safety standards at the theme park, evidence was also given of Mr Davidson’s efforts to turn those standards around with audits and new measures before Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett, Roozi Araghi and Cindy Low died when their raft lurched on its axis and sent them tumbling into the conveyor belt and churning water below.

In the immediate aftermath of the tragedy, Dreamworld came in for intense criticism as the park’s southern-based officialdom were accused of being out of touch in what became an unmitigated PR disaster.

Mr Davidson presented a more human side, speaking with empathy and compassion for the families of the victims.

Craig Davidson addresses the media outside Dreamworld in the days after the 2016 theme park tragedy. Picture: Richard Gosling

At the time, he fought back tears during an interview with The Courier-Mail where he spoke of the terrible impact the tragedy had on families across Australia.

“We’re heartbroken,” he said.

“We can only imagine what the families are going through.

‘This is tragic but we have to also look at what comes tomorrow and what comes the day after.”

At the time of his resignation, Mr Davidson was a popular figure at the theme park and was well-respected by staff for helping to heal the wounds of the tragedy.

He later served in an acting role as head of the Visit Sunshine Coast tourism body and has since worked in a number of private sector tourism industry jobs.

Posts before his Dreamworld appointment included several years as general manager of Hamilton Island and a stint as general manager of destination development at Tourism Australia.

Craig Davidson during his time as executive general manager at Hamilton Island.

His appointment had been the source of intense industry speculation, with the decision confirmed late Friday when staff at TEQ and industry stakeholders were notified.

Mr Davidson said he was excited for the challenge ahead.

“My passion for Queensland is my driving force and I will be applying all of my energy and experience, and working closely with all stakeholders to ensure Queensland continues to grow as a world-class tourism destination,” he said.

Queensland Tourism Minister Andrew Powell said Mr Davidson would be a great asset for the state’s top tourism body. Picture: Adam Head

Originally published as Former Dreamworld boss Craig Davidson chosen as new CEO for Tourism and Events Queensland