Fearing a slowdown in tourism in Queensland in the aftermath of the deadly accident at Dreamworld theme park, State Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk is urging holidaymakers to go ahead with plans to visit the Gold Coast this summer.
"There will be a thorough investigation by the police and the coroner. We need to ensure that this never happens again. But the Gold Coast is safe. Please continue to show your support to the Gold Coast and to Queensland. Please don’t alter your holiday plans," Palaszczuk said.
Four people died when a craft on the Thunder River Rapids ride flipped over in what is Australia’s worst theme park accident since 1979.
The theme park’s parent company Ardent Leisure has been taking heat on social media for a perceived poor safety record and its share price plunged more than 20% immediately after the accident.
The company said the ride’s annual safety and maintenance inspection was carried only a month ago.
"The safety audit was conducted by a specialist external engineering firm. Details of this external audit will be provided to the coroner and workplace safety investigators," it said in a statement.
