A POLICE inspector who helped Grantham recover in the wake of the devastating 2011 floods has been appointed to a special role with Dreamworld after the tragic deaths of four people.

Retired inspector Mike McKay will work with Dreamworld after being appointed by the theme park's parent company Ardent Leisure.

Ardent Leisure chief executive officer Deborah Thomas said Mr McKay would give specialist advice to Dreamworld and the Gold Coast community to help it recover from the tragedy.

Siblings Kate Goodchild and Luke Dorsett, Mr Dorsett's partner Roozi Araghi and fourth victim Cindy Low all lost their lives when the Thunder River Rapids ride malfunctioned on Tuesday.

Ms Goodchild's daughter and Ms Low's son managed to escape the ride.

Candlelight vigils have been held in honour of the four victims and hundreds of people have laid flowers and made donations in their honour.

Dreamworld remains closed and the deaths are the subject of a police investigation.

Ms Thomas said in a statement the park would not reopen until a structured program of community healing had been developed.

"He was an integral part of the team that led the rebuilding of the town of Grantham on higher ground following the floods."

Mr McKay led recovery efforts in Grantham and surrounding areas after the 2011 floods as a police liaison officer.

He also helped set up the Grantham Community Recovery Incorporation.

The town awarded him a special plaque in August 2011 to thank him for his work.