DREAMWORLD TO DEMOLISH RIVER RAPIDS RIDE THAT KILLED FOUR PEOPLE

DREAMWORLD's Thunder River Rapids Ride, where four people died in October, will be permanently closed.

In a statement from Dreamworld owner Ardent Leisure (ASX: AAD), CEO and managing Director, Deborah Thomas, says the closure of the ride is the only respectful and appropriate course of action.

"Out of respect for the memories of Cindy Low, Roozbeh Araghi, Kate Goodchild and Luke Dorsett, and their deeply affected families, the ride will be permanently decommissioned," she says.

The park will not reopen until a series of audits and reviews are completed.

Engineering firm Pitt & Sherry has been brought in by Ardent to lead a review of all Dreamworld and Whitewater World rides.

"Pitt & Sherry's review will be further peer reviewed by an industry leading global theme park safety specialist," says Thomas.

"Dreamworld is also well progressed on an internal review of every ride in the Park, which includes reviewing all operating policies and procedures."

The Workplace Health and Safety Queensland team is also continuing its audit.

"No ride at Dreamworld will operate until the Workplace Health and Safety Audit has been completed and unless it passes the multi-level internal and external review process," says Thomas.

The families of the victims will be invited to help create a fitting and permanent memorial to their loved ones when appropriate, says Thomas.

As reported yesterday, police have finished investigating the incident and have handed the scene back to Dreamworld's management.

A report will be prepared for the coroner.