Fears for koala habitat as Dreamworld development approved

Tom Wark

July 21, 2026 — 6:21pm

Save

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.

AAA

Construction of an ecotourism hub adjacent to one of Australia’s biggest theme parks could fast track koala extinction in a key habitat, conservationists warn.

The Queensland government has come under fire for using special powers to approve a major Dreamworld development on the Gold Coast that will clear land for the 55.3 hectare masterplan.

The Coomera area has been identified as a key koala habitat, and conservationists have warned the project could be disastrous for the local population.

Dreamworld chief Greg Yong said the project’s approval was a “watershed moment” for the theme park.Getty

In 2025, surveys confirmed 68 koalas were within a two-kilometre radius of the area and further development would directly threaten their survival.

“This Dreamworld expansion is a nightmare for our iconic koalas, who are suffering death by a thousand cuts in south-east Queensland,” Queensland Conservation Council acting director Anthony Gough said on Tuesday.

“We ... call on the federal government to intervene and ensure this project is properly assessed under Commonwealth law.”

The footprint of the new Dreamworld development.

Under the masterplan approved on Monday, ecotourism attractions such as boardwalks, viewing platforms and guided tours will be offered on land adjacent to the Dreamworld and WhiteWater World theme parks.

Approval for a new high-density resort, a $200 million hotel, and housing developments on the site was also granted after the Queensland government used its ministerial powers to “call in” Dreamworld’s 2023 application.

It gave Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie the power to make a final decision on the proposal.

Conservationists said approving the destruction of the koala habitat under the guise of expanding sustainable tourism was not a suitable use of the minister’s power.

A render of the new development at Dreamworld.

“Minister Bleijie and the Crisafulli government have put Coomera koalas on a fast track to local extinction,” said Coomera Conservation Group’s Karina Waterman.

“While we encourage sustainable development and genuine ecotourism, this proposal is in direct conflict with endangered koalas.”

Conservationist groups said they would keep fighting to protect the local koala population, but conceded the community had no right of appeal over the minister’s decision.

Dreamworld chief executive Greg Yong said the project’s approval was a “watershed moment” for the theme park, and was critical for the state’s infrastructure in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.

“With a shortage of quality hotel accommodation between the northern Gold Coast and Brisbane, and momentum building towards the 2032 Games, we’re well placed to help close that gap,” he said.

AAP

**Start the day with a summary of the day’s most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter.****

Save

You have reached your maximum number of saved items.

Remove items from your saved list to add more.