Dreamtime to expand

Published on 24 July 2019

Rockhampton Regional Council has today resolved to offer a portion of the Music Bowl site for use as a rehabilitation centre subject to the State Government undertaking appropriate consultation.

Council had suggested the Music Bowl site some time ago and had offered the very rear of the site when it was obvious that Queensland Health was struggling to find a suitable site.

Mayor Margaret Strelow said the offered portion of the site was not acceptable to Queensland Health.

"Our offer today would instead make the car park site available for the rehabilitation facility and we hope that this offer will be acceptable to both Queensland Health and to our community," Mayor Strelow said.

"The good news from today’s decision is that we think we have a win-win.

"We have simultaneously begun discussions and negotiations with the Dreamtime Cultural Centre with a view to the Music Bowl (stage and amphitheatre portion) being added as part of their lease. This will allow for the Music Bowl itself to be both a community space when we need it as well as a performance space for Dreamtime’s daily operations.

"Council owns both the Music Bowl and the Dreamtime site, with Dreamtime having a long-term lease over their site."

Mayor Strelow said that there will need to be additional car parking provided at Dreamtime for Music Bowl events. Event goers will then make their way by foot from behind the current ‘shell’ and walk up the amphitheatre slope.

"There are several wins for the community in this.

"It allows Queensland Health to access their preferred portion of the Music Bowl site but it also means that our much loved Music Bowl has a new lease of life.

"Dreamtime have been an important part of our tourism story and we believe that the additional land and facilities that this arrangement will provide is a wonderful opportunity for Dreamtime.

"Council has two senior staff members who have come to us from senior positions in theme parks at the Gold Coast and we are looking forward to working along with Dreamtime’s own advisors and management to make the best of the new opportunity."