The Ardent Leisure Group, a leading Australian owner and operator of attraction and leisure sites, has released its annual financial report for the year ending 29 June 2021.

According to the Group, the significant impacts of Covid-19 on the travel, leisure, tourism and entertainment sectors have continued to impact the business.

The theme parks business, consisting of Dreamworld, WhiteWater World and SkyPoint, reported trading revenue of $3.60 million for the year, down 33.9% on the prior year, mainly due to the pandemic.

Following the easing of government restrictions, SkyPoint and Dreamworld had reopened in July and September 2020 respectively. In August of the same year, the Group secured funding for the Australian operations from the Queensland government.

The $69.9 million financial assistance package acquired from Queensland Treasury Corporation in August provided sufficient liquidity for the business to fund working capital and capital projects. These projects included the new Steel Taipan rollercoaster, which is due to open towards the end of 2021.

In a statement, Ardent Leisure Group’s chairman, Dr Gary Weiss, said: “Our priority continues to be on ensuring the health and safety of our guests and team members, with robust safety protocols and Covid Safe plans in place.

“While we expect uncertainty from the pandemic and associated governmental restrictions to continue for the remainder of this calendar year, we are confident that Ardent is well positioned for future growth once market conditions begin to improve.”