The Muttaburrasaurus langdoni dinosaur is now to become part of Queensland’s official identity after it topped a public poll to select the State’s fossil emblem.
The 12 shortlisted fossils featured dinosaurs from both land and sea, early mammals, and flora, all discovered across Queensland.
Of the nearly 9,000 votes cast by Queenslanders, the ornithopod emerged as the clear popular choice.
Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk said the Mattaburrasaurus will join the nine other unique Queensland emblems.
“The 100-million-year-old, plant-eating dinosaur was discovered in 1963 and named after the Central Queensland town of Muttaburra,” the Premier said.
‘The seven-metre-long dinosaur makes a very big statement indeed and I am sure it will be an enduring emblem Queensland can be very proud of.”
She said along with the State’s official coat of arms, flag and badge, the emblems highlighted the many wonders and beauty of the State.
The Premier said the popularity of Muttaburrasaurus for the State’s official fossil emblem highlighted the importance of dinosaur tourism in Outback Queensland.
“A scale model of a Mattaburrasaurus named Hughie is the star attraction at Hughenden’s Flinders Discovery Centre,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“I encourage Queenslanders to get acquainted with our new fossil emblem by planning a visit to Outback dinosaur destinations.”
Queensland’s rich palaeontology discoveries have generated world-wide interest among experts and have attracted thousands of tourists to the Outback to see the fossil finds first-hand.
The next step in making Muttaburrasaurus the State’s fossil emblem includes amending the Emblems of Queensland Act 2005 to confirm its official status.
More information about Queensland’s emblems and other icons can be accessed at this PS News link.
