Dreamworld inquest: Former CEO Deborah Thomas to get $3000-a-day fee

Families of the four people killed in the Dreamworld ride disaster have waited a long time for answers but could be closer to learning what happened as an inquest into the deaths begins.

The anticipated coronial probe will get underway this week, although it's not expected to hear any evidence until later in the year.

It will examine the circumstances around the October 2016 deaths of Kate Goodchild, her brother Luke Dorsett and his partner Roozi Araghi and Cindy Low, who were killed when a raft they were in on the popular Thunder River Rapids ride malfunctioned and flipped.

The four who died (clockwise, top left): Roozi Araghi, Luke Dorsett, Cindy Low and Kate Goodchild.

Goodchild's daughter Ebony, 12, and Low's 10-year-old son survived. The families have waited more than a year for answers and today the inquest will take its first steps with a procedural hearing, during which dates for evidence to be heard will likely be set.

For about three decades before the fatal incident, the Thunder River Rapids ride had been a drawcard at the Gold Coast park.

Dreamworld closed for 45 days after the tragedy and visitor numbers tanked an estimated 30 per cent, causing owners Ardent Leisure to report a $62.6 million loss for the financial year.

Following the deaths, police investigated and have prepared a large brief of evidence for the coroner to consider.

Former Ardent CEO Deborah Thomas will be paid $3000 a day to attend the inquest. Photo / Getty

They have already recommended no criminal charges be laid against Dreamworld staff over the fatal incident, but the coroner could still suggest prosecutions after hearing evidence.

The incident also caused the Queensland government to pass industrial manslaughter laws with maximum 20 years imprisonment for individuals or a $10 million fine for corporate offenders.

The new legislation won't apply to anyone involved in the Dreamworld tragedy as it can't be enforced retrospectively.

The former Ardent boss Deborah Thomas will be paid $3000 a day to attend the inquest.

When Thomas left Ardent last year it was reported she received a $730,000 payout and would also receive the daily amount for attending the inquest.