Dreamworld expands to include native animal state-of-the-art research facility

Gold Coast theme park Dreamworld is planning to expand its Corroboree Precinct to include The Dreamworld Future Lab, a state-of-the-art research facility with $2.7 million in funding from the Queensland Government.

Queensland Assistant Tourism Industry Development Minister and Member for Gaven Meaghan Scanlon said the new facility in the theme park’s Corroboree and wildlife area would be Queensland’s first native animal genome research facility.

Minister Scanlon stated “the Dreamworld Future Lab will be a world-class research facility and will allow us to deploy experts to tackle some of the biggest issues facing our native wildlife – like the threat of chlamydia on the local koala population.

“It will be the first of its kind in our state and will enhance the research capabilities of experts at the University of Queensland by allowing researchers and science undergraduates up-close contact with animals in the field.

“The benefits of the research facility are twofold. Our native animals are a hit with tourists around the world, particularly Chinese visitors – today’s announcement will help to keep the Gold Coast front-of-mind for prospective tourists.”

Queensland Minister for Innovation and Tourism Industry Development Kate Jones said Dreamworld’s Future Lab would be funded through the State Government’s Advance Queensland Connecting with Asia initiative.

Minister Jones advised “the Dreamworld Future Lab will give our experts vital access to native species and will help to build on Queensland’s world-leading reputation for science and technology.

“We expect the Future Lab to start construction in mid-2019 and it will provide great opportunities for school groups and visitors to experience first-hand the impact of scientific research and importance of animal conservation.”

Queensland Environment Minister Leeanne Enoch said today’s announcement was a win for conservationists, advising "it’s vital that we find new ways to protect our native wildlife for future generations.

“This will help to further the great work of our researchers and will also help to promote conservation among the wider public.

“It also builds on the work (being undertaken) to protect our koalas, including the development of a koala conservation strategy for Queensland.”

Dreamworld’s General Manager Life Sciences, Al Mucci said the design and development of the research facility would start in mid-2019, advising “on completion, the Dreamworld Future Lab will be the only operational scientific laboratory in Queensland that will have the capability to create a STEM tourism experience based on the conservation of koalas and other wildlife.

“We believe this will be the first of its kind in the world where guests will experience researchers working on current wildlife conservation projects.”