The Queensland Government has approved a masterplan that will enable the long-term expansion of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, paving the way for one of Australia's most ambitious tourism developments ahead of the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

The approval provides planning certainty for Coast Entertainment's 55.3-hectare site at Coomera on the Gold Coast, creating a framework for continued investment in the theme parks alongside new hotels, tourism attractions, hospitality venues and complementary mixed-use development.

The masterplan divides the site into four precincts, allowing for the continued evolution of Dreamworld and WhiteWater World, while enabling resort accommodation, restaurants, entertainment venues, sport and recreation facilities, low-impact eco-tourism experiences and supporting tourism infrastructure. It also allows for residential, retail, commercial and healthcare uses within designated areas of the site.

Queensland deputy premier, Jarrod Bleijie's, called in the development application from the City of Gold Coast so it could be assessed against wider state priorities, including tourism, infrastructure and housing.

Bleijie said the approval will unlock significant tourism investment while providing long-term certainty for one of Queensland's best-known visitor attractions.

"The approved masterplan will support jobs, attract investment and strengthen the Gold Coast's position as one of Australia's leading tourism destinations as we prepare for Brisbane 2032," he said.

Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong welcomed the decision, describing it as an important milestone in the park's long-term growth strategy.

"The approval provides a clear pathway for Dreamworld's future development and enables us to progress plans that will further enhance the guest experience while supporting tourism growth on the Gold Coast," he said.

Yong said a family hotel was expected to be among the first projects to progress under the masterplan, subject to detailed development applications.

The approval marks the latest stage in Dreamworld's long-term redevelopment programme. In 2019, the operator unveiled a AU$70 million investment strategy to transform the park through a programme of new rides, themed lands and guest experiences.

Since then, Dreamworld has opened major attractions including the Steel Taipan rollercoaster, Kenny and Belinda's Dreamland and the Rivertown precinct, featuring the Jungle Rush family coaster and Murrissippi Motors, while continuing to invest across the wider guest experience.

The newly approved masterplan extends that strategy beyond the theme park gates, creating a framework for hotels and broader tourism infrastructure to transform the precinct into a multi-day destination resort.

Individual elements of the masterplan will now progress through detailed planning and development approval processes before construction begins.