Dreamworld’s newest attraction, the Steel Taipan, opens today, with the rollercoaster poised to deliver a $30 million boost for the Gold Coast visitor economy.
First announced by the park in August 2019, the highly anticipated thrill ride features the first rear spinning gondola in the world, the Tailwhip 360⁰.
Treasurer and Minister for Trade and Investment Cameron Dick called the rollercoaster “an instant icon” for the park and said it will bring a range of benefits for the Gold Coast.
“This is another great example of a Queensland tourism operator finding opportunities to rebuild better and recover from the impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Dick said.
“Our government worked closely with Dreamworld early in the pandemic to help make this rollercoaster a reality, supporting it through our $25 million Growing Tourism Infrastructure Fund.
“Construction of the Steel Taipan created 200 Gold Coast trade jobs when they were needed most, generating around $15 million for Queensland businesses in the south-east.
“Now it’s rolling, the ride will support 30 ongoing operational work opportunities for locals.
“That’s why we partnered with Dreamworld on the Steel Taipan, to accelerate our COVID Economic Recovery Plan for Gold Coast tourism,” he said.
“With Queensland’s borders now reopen to fully vaccinated interstate visitors, there’s no better time for the Steel Taipan to strike.”
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said with a top speed of 105 kilometres an hour and a G-force of 3.8, the Steel Taipan would be a hit with thrill-seekers.
“As the only rollercoaster of its kind in Australia, the adrenalin of the Steel Taipan is predicted to bring an extra 250,000 visitors a year to the Gold Coast,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“The Steel Taipan’s green shoots of recovery are estimated to deliver an additional $30 million to the Gold Coast’s visitor economy, which is terrific news for tourism operators.
“Coinciding with Dreamworld’s 40th birthday, the $32 million rollercoaster is equipped with Australian’s first triple launch system to test the fortitude of ride enthusiasts.
“The Steel Taipan’s 1.2 kilometres of twists and turns are a huge vote of confidence in Gold Coast tourism.”
Dreamworld CEO Greg Yong said the timing of the Steel Taipan’s launch was perfect.
“We couldn’t think of a better way to celebrate our 40th birthday than the opening of the biggest new attraction in Dreamworld’s history,” Mr Yong said
“Following a challenging couple of years, we felt committed to building a world-class tourism infrastructure asset that will benefit not only Dreamworld but also the entire SEQ tourism sector.
“We’re incredibly grateful for the funding that supported this important project.
“There is no doubt aviation, accommodation, and other tourism businesses throughout SEQ will derive substantial benefit from this significant investment into critical tourism infrastructure.”
The Steel Taipan is based on the Blue Fire rollercoaster at Europa Park in Germany.
Both were designed by German manufacturer MACK Rides, one of the international amusement industry’s most experienced operators.
Gold Coast company Condev Construction led the construction of Dreamworld’s Steel Taipan.
