By Tom Wark

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 master plan.

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

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 southeast 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.”

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, $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 Dreamworld proposal.

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

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

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

Conservationist groups said they would keep fighting for the local koala population’s protection but conceded there was no right to community appeal of the minister’s decision.

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

News all day, every day at CityNewsQBN.com.au.