The $2.6 billion Infinity Planet attraction is set to transform 68 hectares of farmland in Elimbah, located between Brisbane and Queensland’s Sunshine Coast. This ambitious project, spearheaded by RHC City CEO Ramin Ahmadi, aims to integrate a hotel, theme park, entertainment center, music venue, and shopping mall under one expansive umbrella.
RHC City, founded by Ahmadi, has submitted development plans to the Moreton Bay Regional Council. The project envisions a 5-star international hotel, a 9,000-seat city hall, and a “global cultural mall” showcasing 50 countries. Ahmadi emphasized the importance of cultural representation, noting the diverse linguistic landscape of Brisbane, where over 110 languages are spoken.
The Vision Behind Infinity Planet
Ahmadi, who also founded the Neguin Group in Malaysia, hopes to complete the first stage of Infinity Planet in time for the Brisbane 2032 Games. After an extensive search across Australia, the team chose Elimbah for its strategic location, close to Australia Zoo and north of Brisbane, an area with few large-scale theme parks.
With a track record of over 50 major projects in the Asia-Pacific and Middle East, including the Tehran Mega Mall, Ahmadi brings significant experience and international connections to the table. He highlighted the involvement of a strong partner from Taiwan to ensure the project’s sustainability and green credentials.
Challenges and Comparisons
While the vision for Infinity Planet is grand, history shows that similar projects have faced significant challenges. Aussie World, opened in 1989, remains the last major theme park north of Brisbane. Other ventures, like Sanad Capital’s $350 million park and Kelly Slater Wave Co’s wave park, have faltered due to financial and regulatory hurdles.
According to Dr. Aaron Tham, a senior lecturer in tourism at the University of Sunshine Coast, Infinity Planet’s financial backing appears solid, yet risks remain. “Elimbah is a high-risk bushfire zone, so fire insurance costs could be significant,” Tham noted. He also pointed out the potential for cost overruns, which could push the project closer to the $3 billion mark.
“Developers say Infinity Planet will attract up to 1.2 million visitors annually, but they need to tap into both leisure and corporate markets,” Dr. Tham said.
Community Impact and Economic Potential
The prospect of Infinity Planet has stirred mixed reactions among locals. While some, like prominent developer Graeme Juniper, see it as an inevitable and positive development for the region, others express concerns about the impact on the community’s rural character.
Resident Jason Smith, whose property is near the proposed site, voiced concerns about the area’s transformation. “It will change the face of Elimbah very strongly,” he remarked, noting the community’s appreciation for its small-town feel and agricultural lifestyle.
Despite these concerns, Ahmadi is confident in the project’s ability to generate economic benefits. He estimates the creation of over 1,075 direct jobs and 1,320 indirect jobs during construction, with around 6,000 jobs during the operational phase.
“We have secured the land, we have the budget for all the infrastructure,” Ahmadi stated, affirming the project’s readiness to proceed upon approval.
Looking Ahead
As the Infinity Planet project awaits council approval, its potential to reshape the region’s economic and cultural landscape remains a subject of keen interest. The project’s success could set a new benchmark for integrated entertainment complexes in Australia, offering a unique blend of leisure, culture, and commerce.
With the Brisbane 2032 Games on the horizon, the timing of Infinity Planet’s development could align with broader regional growth and international attention. Whether it can overcome the challenges that have thwarted past ventures remains to be seen, but the project’s ambitious scope and strategic planning offer a promising start.
