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63-650: The Thunder River Rapids Ride was a river rapid type water ride located in the Town of Gold Rush section of the Dreamworld theme park on the Gold Coast, Queensland , Australia . After four riders were killed on it in late October 2016, the ride was closed. On 9 November 2016, Ardent Leisures ' CEO announced that the ride would not reopen, and was to be demolished. In October 2017, police recommended that no criminal charges be laid against any person in relation to

126-643: A $ 22.3 million upgrade to the Merrimac Sewage Treatment Plant, enhancing the City's recycled water network. This upgrade saves more than half a million litres of drinking water daily and reduces water charges by $ 600,000 annually. Under Mayor Tate's leadership, the Gold Coast's recycled water treatment program is currently being expanded. The project, which will add 70 kilometers of pipelines from Coolangatta to Stapylton, aims to enhance

189-530: A crucial facility for managing crises after work began in early 2022. The City intends to share its expertise with other councils to replicate similar achievements. The completion of the Isle of Capri Bridge in April 2022 has increased the capacity for traffic flow, accommodating up to 25,000 vehicles daily. The $ 34 million Sundale Bridge and Waterways Drive upgrade both were completed in 2021. Tate’s administration

252-515: A lack of environmental actions and investment throughout the city. This has placed pressures on his council to respond and invest in City wide conservation and sustainability efforts. The city has made four acquisitions in the last two years, investing $ 48.6 million to acquire more than 11,000 acres of land for conservation purposes. In 2020, the City supported the Currumbin Wildlife Hospital vaccine program, resulting in

315-534: A local hospital with severe injuries. One of the passengers, an 11-year-old boy, later died. The ride was inspected the day before the incident and was found to be in normal working order. Tom Tate Thomas Richard Tate is a Laotian-born Australian businessman, property investor and politician who is the current mayor of the City of Gold Coast . He was first elected on 28 April 2012 and re-elected on 19 March 2016, 28 March 2020, and again on 16 March 2024 for

378-418: A longer rapids ride will need a larger lake, as there will be more water to store once the ride's pumps have been turned off. Depending on the size and length of the river rapids ride, it can take up to 15 minutes to fill the ride's channel up from empty once the pumps have been switched on. The flowing water makes its way over wooden logs or plastic tubes strapped to the base of the river channel, which disrupt

441-698: A malfunction of the Thunder River Rapids Ride at Dreamworld on the Gold Coast, Queensland , Australia , resulted in the deaths of four people. Two were ejected from the ride and two were trapped in the conveyor belt under it. River rapids rides have also had accidents at a number of other theme parks. On 9 May 2017, an 11-year-old girl, Evha Jannath fell into the water on the Splash Canyon Ride at Drayton Manor Theme Park in Staffordshire, England at around 2:20pm. She

504-478: A natural setting for added realism. Multiple manufacturers have introduced new elements to the rapids ride concept: a vertical lift system, shoot the chute -style drops, and a whirlpool feature. River rapids rides feature circular rafts with two main components: the fiberglass body in which passengers are seated and the rubber ring upon which the body is secured. The rubber ring provides buoyancy as well as shock absorption for when rafts collide with an obstacle during

567-496: A prototype) was initially plagued by issues that were corrected in the first few seasons of operation. The boat bumpers were re-designed, portions of the wide river channel were narrowed or barricaded to prevent boats from bottle-necking or getting caught in a backflow, and a planned whirlpool effect was scrapped. Many modern river rapids rides feature a much narrower river channel as well as smaller boats (6 seats as opposed to 12 seats). Some are heavily themed, while others may present

630-705: A record-breaking fourth term. Tom Tate was born in 1959 in Vientiane , Laos , to a Thai mother and an Australian father. His father was an engineer who met Tate's mother, when building an airport for the Americans in Thailand. At 11 months of age, Tate's mother took him to Thailand and falsely claimed it was a home birth in order to gain Thai-born citizenship. His parents separated when his father moved back to Sydney from Thailand in 1970, and Tate joined him

693-413: A statement on its website and Facebook page stating: Dreamworld is currently closed until further notice due to an incident at the park. We are deeply shocked and saddened by the tragic incident; our hearts and thoughts go out to the families involved and their loved ones. Dreamworld announced that the park would reopen on 28 October for a special memorial service for the victims. However, the reopening to

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756-526: A statement via Twitter: "I'm very saddened by the tragedy at Dreamworld today. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families." On 29 October, the Queensland Government announced a "blitz" of safety inspections and an audit of state workplace health and safety laws. The Busch Gardens Tampa theme park in Florida , USA , shut its Congo River Rapids ride in response to the incident, until

819-549: A year later. Tate attended school at Scots College in Sydney where he distinguished himself as a drummer in the school's pipe band. He later pursued higher education and became a qualified civil engineer , graduating from the University of New South Wales in the early 1980s. Initially, he embarked on a career in the construction industry. However, he later transitioned into the tourism and hospitality sector upon moving to

882-474: Is also investing in a 69-hectare park in Mudgeeraba , enhancing infrastructure and creating a high-performance environment for 2,500 netball, rugby league, and baseball club members. The project includes a high-performance centre, 24 netball courts, two additional AFL and cricket fields, a baseball field, and an upgraded bowls facility. This development aims to provide a lasting legacy for the 2032 Olympics and

945-501: Is developing Greenheart, a 257-hectare site in Merrimac and Robina, to create a new sport, recreation, and event hub to further highlight the need to invest in environmental initiatives throughout the city. This $ 800 million project will include major event spaces for 50,000 people, 11 new sporting fields, and various social and educational opportunities. It is expected to create 800 construction jobs and 1,500 ongoing jobs, aligning with

1008-418: Is expected to create over 2,000 construction jobs and up to 170 permanent jobs, enhancing recycling opportunities, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and supporting the city's environmental and economic goals. Since the start of Tate’s tenure, population has increased by over 130,000 residents. This has placed growing pressures on his administration to respond to increased traffic volumes and congestion around

1071-558: Is in the final stages of planning for the Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 4 . This project extends 13 km south from Burleigh Heads to Coolangatta via the Gold Coast Airport , featuring 14 stations. The project aims to enhance transportation efficiency, contribute to regional growth, alleviate congestion, and expand active transport options while also planning for the future of the city. Tate also oversaw

1134-590: The Asian economic downturn in the late 1990s, he offered hotel rooms for $ 2 per night, leading to the 1999 'off-peak price war'. In 2015 he sold the Islander Hotel Resort for $ 26.5 million. Tom Tate was elected Mayor of the Gold Coast in 2012 as an independent , after the previous incumbent, Ron Clarke , resigned in February 2012, having announced his nomination as an independent candidate for

1197-593: The Eureka Mountain Mine Ride 's station and headed back towards its own station. Before departing the ride, guests were brought back up to the level of the station by a conveyor belt . On 25 October 2016, a malfunction of the Thunder River Rapids Ride resulted in the deaths of four people. It is regarded as the worst accident at an Australian theme park since the 1979 Sydney Ghost Train fire at Luna Park Sydney . Due to

1260-712: The Gold Coast , where he managed his family's Queensland properties, including the Park Regis in Southport . Tate worked across the world before joining his father's development company in 1994 at the age of 35. In 1992, Tate Sr bought the Islander Resort Hotel in Surfers Paradise , where Tate managed the refitting of the building. In 1993, he took over management of the Islander. During

1323-536: The HOTA lyric theatre are also underway, introducing a 1,800-seat theatre to the city's cultural landscape. The new build is expected to generate significant economic benefits, with $ 376 million in output and $ 119 million in value added during construction, and annual impacts of $ 62 million in output and $ 28 million in value added during operation. It will also serve as a cultural hub, supporting local artists and communities, and offering social and educational opportunities in

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1386-595: The Liberal National Party − when it was formed in 2008. He is also a life member of the Liberal National Party . Throughout Tate’s tenure as Mayor, he has been committed to three outcomes for the City: keeping rates low, delivering value-for-money services to the community, and reducing council debt. Tate and his administration have navigated various challenges across council and city development, responding effectively, while also successfully overseeing

1449-424: The 14-hectare Pimpama Sports Hub, attracting millions annually. Community engagement has been prioritised through projects like the $ 5.6 million Pizzey Park skateboard park upgrade and the establishment of the nation's first purpose-built reef. Additionally, measures such as free seniors travel, dog registration initiatives, and green organics bin rollouts aim to improve accessibility and sustainability within

1512-667: The Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games' climate-positive goals. Construction is anticipated to begin in 2027. The Advanced Resource Recovery Centre (ARRC) project is also being developed and put forward by Tate in response to the Gold Coast's landfill capacity issues and the devotion to reduce the City’s environmental impact. Construction of the ARRC is set to commence in 2026, utilising innovative technology to convert waste into energy and divert up to 97% of waste from landfills. The project

1575-399: The City for years to come for community lifestyle and community engagement. With a rapid increase of the city’s population, so has the need for modern art and events facilities. The city has also witnessed significant developments and expansions in arts, culture, and major events under Tate’s Mayorship. The establishment of the HOTA gallery, a new $ 60.5 million art gallery, demonstrated

1638-548: The City. Over these four terms, significant investments have been made in transport and infrastructure projects in response to the growing population. The Gold Coast Light Rail Stage 3 project commenced major work in July 2022, costing $ 1.2 billion for a 6.7km extension from Broadbeach to Burleigh Heads , enhancing public transportation connectivity. In May 2023, Tate inaugurated the Disaster and Emergency Management Centre,

1701-565: The Consumer Price Index (CPI) at each years annual budget. The external council debt has been reduced by over 30%, decreasing from $ 860 million in 2012 to $ 604 million in 2020, and further to $ 575 million in 2024. Tate also merged Major Events Gold Coast, Destination Gold Coast, Study Gold Coast, and HOTA into a single entity called Experience Gold Coast, saving $ 7 million annually. Tom Tate and his administration have been challenged by environmental activists over his time for

1764-633: The Queensland Office of Industrial Relations. He said Ardent Leisure "may have committed an offence under workplace laws". On 21 July 2020, it was announced that three charges had been laid against Ardent Leisure , Dreamworld's parent company. The charges were filed by the Work Health and Safety prosecutor, under the Work Health and Safety Act, at the Brisbane Magistrates Court. The matter was first heard on July 29 in

1827-544: The Queensland office of industrial relations consider a prosecution. The ride had endured frequent breakdowns in the days leading up to the accident, and had several design and construction problems which contributed to the accident. Mr McDougall told a Brisbane court Dreamworld had a reputation as a "modern, world-class theme park" yet its safety and maintenance systems were "rudimentary at best". and that: ... he would refer Dreamworld's parent company, Ardent Leisure, to

1890-580: The Southport Magistrates Court. On the day before the scheduled trial, on 28 July 2020, Ardent Leisure pleaded guilty to the charges. Subsequently, in September 2020, they were fined $ 3.6 million (US$ 2.8 million) for the breach of the Work Health and Safety Act. In addition, a settlement amount for $ 2.1 million was paid to the family of one of the victims. Thunder River's remaining structures were demolished in 2018. On 23 August 2019,

1953-495: The Thunder River Rapids Ride. River rafting ride The river rapids ride concept was proposed by Bill Crandall (general manager of AstroWorld in Houston) and developed by Intamin . AstroWorld introduced the world's first river rapids ride, Thunder River , in 1980 and popularized a concept which can now be found at most major amusement parks. Despite being an incredibly popular attraction, AstroWorld's Thunder River (being

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2016-412: The arts and entertainment sector. Tate is also planning to build a flexible indoor entertainment arena for 8,000 to 12,000 attendees, aiming to host diverse world-class events. Market engagement is underway to determine interest and site selection, with a focus on access to public transport and amenities. The $ 450 million project is expected to create 400 construction jobs and 400 ongoing jobs, benefiting

2079-530: The bigger the rapids. Along with the rapids, there are often waterfalls . Finally, there may be pressurized water jets. An automated system may spray streams of water through a nozzle directed toward a passing raft, or on other rides, large amounts of water may shoot from a jet or cannon, often pointed upward so that the falling water will douse riders. Some parks (for instance, Busch Gardens Tampa Bay ), have coin-operated water jets and cannons so that passersby can pay to attempt to soak riders. On 25 October 2016,

2142-429: The boats without the need for the boats to stop. Riders would board one of several six-person circular rafts. The raft was dispatched and the riders travelled back past the ride's queue and into a cave. Upon exiting the cave, riders experienced the main rapids section of the ride. This section ran alongside a large water catchment which contained the water storage for the Thunder River Rapids Ride. The raft then went under

2205-461: The cause of the Dreamworld had been determined. It was reopened on 26 October, after a review and safety check had been completed. On 9 November, Ardent Leisure chief executive, Deborah Thomas , announced that the Thunder River Rapids Ride would be permanently closed, out of respect to the victims and their families, and that they would be invited to help create a memorial in its place. The ride

2268-412: The center. The floor of the raft body is generally above water level to allow drainage. Most parks require riders to be 36 inches or taller. Generally, the station starts at the highest point on the ride, with the river channel having a slight gradient to it for the remainder of the ride. A lift hill then brings the boats back up to station level at the end of the ride. This is usually also the point where

2331-567: The city's support for artistic expression and cultural enrichment. The Yatala Film expansion, facilitated by the City, involves priming 53 hectares of land to accommodate four new sound stages, further positioning the city as a hub for film production and creative industries. The emphasis on being an events city has attracted events such as the Pacific Airshow, Gold Coast 500 , Tim Tszyu title fights, and performances by world-class artists such as KISS and Harry Styles . Plans for

2394-514: The city's water management. The city currently uses up to 20% of its recycled water, with excess safely released. This initiative provides a reliable non-potable water supply, enhances city greenery, supports local industries, and facilitates agricultural opportunities, contributing to the city's growth and sustainability. For a city with a growing population, the City and Mayor Tate have faced added pressure to continually upgrade and provide residents community hubs and spaces. With more residents in

2457-559: The city, the administration has placed a focus on enhancing lifestyle and community amenities for all. Key initiatives include the redevelopment of two major aquatic centres in the city, such as the $ 18 million upgrade to the Miami Aquatic Centre and ongoing works at the Palm Beach Aquatic Centre. Significant recreational spaces have also been developed, such as Stage 4 of Broadwater Parklands and

2520-572: The community. Tate's administration and the City are investing in the Oceanway, a 36 km network of shared cycle and pedestrian pathways along the coastline, including Burleigh Heads , Coolangatta , Currumbin , Main Beach , Mermaid Beach , Palm Beach , and Tugun . The Oceanway aims to enhance beach access and promote sustainable active travel for residents and visitors for a growing population and commit to enhancing community facilities. Tom Tate

2583-426: The course of the ride or with each other. Most rafts hold between six and twelve passengers, seated in groups of two or three depending on the manufacturer of the ride. Riders face toward center of the boat and are usually secured by a lap belt. Some rafts feature a circular metal bar in the middle of the raft; this gives passengers a place to grip or brace their feet. Some parks include a space for stowing small items in

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2646-580: The deaths. Gold Rush Country (now known as the Town of Gold Rush) opened on 11 December 1986. The area featured the Eureka Mountain Mine Ride and the Thunder River Rapids Ride. Although resembling an Intamin River rapids ride , Thunder River Rapids was neither built nor supplied by Intamin. A Sydney-based company was commissioned to supply the vessels in 1983. The Thunder River Rapids Ride

2709-438: The end of the ride where there is usually a sudden and large change in height from the end of the ride to the station. Some rides, due to their design, have multiple pump units at different locations along the ride. One example is the new Infinity Falls at SeaWorld Orlando . Occasionally, screw pumps have been used too. In the case of axial flow submersible pumps, rides are usually fitted with four; three being used at all times for

2772-406: The failure of one of the two large water pumps essential for the ride's operation, the water level in the ride dropped quickly, causing a raft, which was vacant, to become stranded on its support rails near the end of the raft conveyor, meaning that it was unable to reach the unloading area. Approximately one minute later, another raft, carrying six passengers, moved down the conveyor and collided with

2835-511: The hosting of the 2018 Commonwealth Games and recently joining the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic planning committee. He consistently advocates for a 'have a go' spirit as a cornerstone of his leadership style. Throughout the four terms under Tate’s leadership, the economy has faced a number of challenges that tested the annual budgets each year, such as post COVID-19 inflationary and cost of living pressures. Under Tom Tate's administration, they have responded to this by keeping rates at or below

2898-431: The lift hill) once the ride's main pumps are turned off. This is the water that would have been circulating around the ride when it is in operation. When observed, you can usually see the height difference in the water level in this lake from when the rides pumps are turned on, to when they are turned off. This effect is usually less noticeable if an already existing larger lake is used for the ride's water storage. Generally,

2961-460: The park announced that a new roller coaster, Steel Taipan , would take its place in 2021 and also consume a portion of the area in use by the former Eureka Mountain Mine Ride . In total, Ardent Leisure reportedly paid out more than $ 5 million in compensation to the families of the victims as well as to emergency responders and witnesses. A memorial garden for the victims was built near the site of

3024-570: The preference distribution in each election, demonstrating widespread support for his leadership. This trend continued in the 2024 election, securing him a fourth term as Mayor. Tate’s 2024 election win was also a record-breaking victory as the City’s longest serving Mayor. He is noted for his claim that he does not accept political donations and self-funds his campaigns. Tate joined the Liberal Party in June 1999, and later its successor −

3087-424: The public was subject to discussions with Queensland police as the ride was being treated as a crime scene. The 28 October reopening was cancelled on 27 October. Gold Coast Mayor, Tom Tate , offered his condolences to the families of those affected and promised support, financially and emotionally, to all those involved. The Australian Prime Minister, Malcolm Turnbull , offered his condolences and support, releasing

3150-411: The raft completely out of the stream of water (usually as an extension of the lift hill at the end of the ride) and advance it to various points in the station to allow passengers to enter and exit via raised straight platforms on either side of the conveyors. Stations that utilize a turntable allow the raft to stay in the stream of water as the turntable continuously revolves, with the rafts wedged between

3213-660: The rescue and treatment of over 256 koalas. The introduction of the Natural City Strategy 2032 in 2023 aims to achieve a target of 51% native vegetation cover. This strategy also focuses on designing city growth to protect nature corridors and purchasing land to secure habitats. The Naturally GC program, initiated in 2008, has been expanded under Tate's leadership, promoting 326 environmental events with 14,000 participants engaged in various activities. Additionally, 40,500 trees have been planted, and 2,300 landcare volunteers have been recruited. Tate’s administration

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3276-414: The ride's main pumps are housed, bringing the water up from the low point and back up to the high point. The gradient on the river channel provides the water with its flow and pace. This also has the interesting side effect such that when the ride's pumps are switched off at the end of operation or in an emergency, the water naturally flows back to the end of the ride where it collects, leaving the majority of

3339-400: The ride's river channel empty and drained until the pumps are turned back on. All Intamin permanent (and most other) river rapids rides feature a connected lake of some sort at the end of the ride before the lift hill. This is sometimes used to store temporarily decommissioned boats. Its main purpose, however, is to help store the large amounts of water that collect at the end of the ride (before

3402-408: The safe operation of the ride and a fourth on standby. The pumps are usually rotated in use to even out wear and tear. After leaving the station, the raft will enter relatively calm waters. After travelling a safe distance (usually 5–15 metres), the raft will enter more turbulent waters. Usually rapids are made by the amusement park having large cylinder tubes underneath the water. The bigger the tube,

3465-399: The seat of Broadwater in the 2012 Queensland state election . Tate had two previous attempts at the mayoralty before his successful attempt, including as an endorsed Liberal candidate in 2008 . Since his initial election in 2012, Tom Tate's popularity has steadily grown, with his increasing first preference votes in subsequent elections. Notably, Tate achieved more than two-thirds of

3528-537: The smooth flow of the water, thus providing the ride with its 'rapids'. Most river rapid rides also feature a wave section, where the river channel widens and a wave machine creates waves at a 90-degree angle to the flow of the water and the boats. Rocks are also sometimes bolted to the base of the river channel on metal frames, which helps create a more natural rapids feel. There are generally two types of river rapids ride stations: those with conveyor belts and those with turntables. Those with conveyor belts are able to lift

3591-434: The stranded raft. Both rafts pivoted upwards, driven by movement of the conveyor, before the first raft fell back to a level position, resting on the support rails. The second raft was forced into a vertical position by the conveyor, and its passengers either fell out of the raft or became trapped close to the conveyor mechanism, resulting in fatal injuries to four passengers. Once the conveyor had been shut down by park staff,

3654-491: The surviving passengers, both of whom were children, were able to climb out of the second raft, still in a vertical position, on to nearby platforms. The two survivors were reported to be physically unharmed, but were sent to hospital and offered counselling. More than seven paramedic crews had responded to the 000 call, along with firefighters and police. They recovered the bodies of the deceased, which were badly disfigured from crush and compression injuries. Dreamworld released

3717-556: The turntable and a curved surface so that the rafts move at the same speed as the turntable (and not at the same speed as the water). When they reach a certain point around the turntable, the rafts become un-wedged and are released in relatively even intervals to traverse the course. Historically, axial flow submersible pumps have been the pump of choice for most rides of this type. The small lateral footprint and large vertical water pumping capacity make them perfect for this type of application, being large in vertical size, they fit right into

3780-448: Was 410 metres (1,350 ft) long and had a maximum speed of 45 kilometres per hour (28 mph). An entire cycle on the Thunder River Rapids Ride lasted approximately 4 minutes. Riders entered a long indoor queue with several switchbacks. The queue then bridged across part of the ride's water storage area before reaching the circular station. This station originally featured a rotating platform which allowed riders to mount and dismount

3843-528: Was airlifted to Birmingham Children's Hospital but died later in the hospital due to the extent of her injuries. The park was closed from 10 to 12 May to allow the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) to complete their work. The park said this was a mark of respect for her family. On July 3, 2021, a raft on Raging River at Adventureland in Altoona, Iowa, carrying six passengers overturned, sending four guests to

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3906-427: Was among the most popular rides at Dreamworld until its closure. At the time of closure, Thunder River Rapids Ride was one of Dreamworld’s nine family rides alongside Dreamworld Express , Escape from Madagascar , Gingy’s Glider, MAD Jungle Jam, Rocky Hollow Log Ride , Shockwave , Skadoosh Bumper Cars, Vintage Car Adventure . The ride consisted of several circular rafts which can carry up to 6 riders each. The ride

3969-523: Was dismantled and the location fenced off. In a report to the Queensland Coroner in October 2017, police recommended that no criminal charges be laid against any person. The Queensland Coroner, James McDougall, released a report on 24 February 2020, detailing "irresponsible", "dangerous" and "inadequate" safety practices at the theme park that contributed to the four deaths, and recommending

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