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Construction of an ecotourism hub adjacent to one of Australia\u2019s biggest theme parks could fast track koala extinction in a key habitat, conservationists warn.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
The Coomera area has been identified as a key koala habitat, and conservationists have warned the project could be disastrous for the local population.<\/p>\n
![\"Dreamworld](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/04630f628099e8b59efd808ab09138bbbb5110ad.jpeg\")
Dreamworld chief Greg Yong said the project\u2019s approval was a \u201cwatershed moment\u201d for the theme park.Getty<\/p>\n
In 2025, surveys confirmed 68 koalas were within a two-kilometre radius of the area and further development would directly threaten their survival.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis Dreamworld expansion is a nightmare for our iconic koalas, who are suffering death by a thousand cuts in south-east Queensland,\u201d Queensland Conservation Council acting director Anthony Gough said on Tuesday.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe … call on the federal government to intervene and ensure this project is properly assessed under Commonwealth law.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/f2ffbbac361bb6024fbb59e843c20739c720c68d8fb58a4a2a2ed31556873981.jpeg\")
The footprint of the new Dreamworld development.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
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 \u201ccall in\u201d Dreamworld\u2019s 2023 application.<\/p>\n
It gave Infrastructure and Planning Minister Jarrod Bleijie the power to make a final decision on the proposal.<\/p>\n
Conservationists said approving the destruction of the koala habitat under the guise of expanding sustainable tourism was not a suitable use of the minister\u2019s power.<\/p>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/e480275bb94e4b186c23b40cf423029ad7ec45883c29fc4416757675ae1cef70.jpeg\")
A render of the new development at Dreamworld.<\/p>\n
\u201cMinister Bleijie and the Crisafulli government have put Coomera koalas on a fast track to local extinction,\u201d said Coomera Conservation Group\u2019s Karina Waterman.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhile we encourage sustainable development and genuine ecotourism, this proposal is in direct conflict with endangered koalas.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\u2019s decision.<\/p>\n
Dreamworld chief executive Greg Yong said the project\u2019s approval was a \u201cwatershed moment\u201d for the theme park, and was critical for the state\u2019s infrastructure in the lead-up to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics.<\/p>\n
\u201cWith a shortage of quality hotel accommodation between the northern Gold Coast and Brisbane, and momentum building towards the 2032 Games, we\u2019re well placed to help close that gap,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
AAP<\/p>\n
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