Queenslanders have been given the chance to pick their favourite fossil to add to Queensland’s nine official emblems.
From April 11 to July 10, 2022, Queensland’s tenth official fossil emblem can be chosen from a list of a dozen fossils shortlisted by the Palaszczuk Government upon consulting regional tourism organisations, councils and museum palaeontology experts.
Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said that each of the shortlisted fossils symbolises Queensland’s natural history, unique landscape and biodiversity.
“We know Australian and overseas visitors are enthralled by Queensland’s rich paleontological history,” he said.
“Many of the southern hemisphere’s best dinosaur finds are in outback Queensland.
“Thousands of visitors flock to Queensland’s outback every year to discover the State’s prehistoric dinosaur remains, generating millions of dollars for our tourism economy.
Some of Queensland’s other State emblems include, Cooktown orchid, the brolga, sapphire gem, Great Barrier Reef Anemone fish, and an official colour – maroon.
“From land-based dinosaurs and sea predators to crocodiles and ancient fauna and flora, we’re now asking Queenslanders to have their say on the fossil that best represents the State’s prehistoric age,” Hinchcliffe added.
The 12 fossils for Queenslanders to choose from are:
- Diamantinasaurus matildae – heavily-built titanosaur
- Kronosaurus queenslandicus – super-predator of the Cretaceous seas
- Muttaburrasaurus langdoni – big-nosed ornithopod
- Isisfordia duncani – oldest known crocodile
- Eromangasaurus australis – long-necked elasmosaur
- Rhoetosaurus brownie – Jurassic-aged sauropod
- Australotitan Cooperensis – large titanosaur
- Richmond polycotylid – long-snouted plesiosaur
- Obdurodon dicksoni – ancient platypus with teeth
- Lovellea wintonensis – oldest known permineralised fossil flower
- Siderops kehli – Giant Jurassic amphibian
- Ridersia watsonae – early Sea lily-like animal.
Hinchliffe said the fossil emblem shortlist recognises the importance of dinosaurs to Queensland tourism.
“Everybody loves dinosaurs and that’s why our prehistoric past is a big part of Outback Queensland’s tourism recovery,” he said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is investing almost $500,000 in a dinosaur tourism roadmap to bring together Queensland’s best prehistoric visitor experiences.”
Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said she expected Queenslanders to embrace the opportunity to have their say on the State’s fossil emblem.
Earlier this year, Museums Victoria announced the official state fossil emblem for Victoria following a public vote, a car-sized amphibian from the South Gippsland region resembling a newt-crocodile combination.
To learn more about each of the nominees and to have your say visit www.qld.gov.au/fossilemblem
Written by Danaya Malenda
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