The Department of Tourism, Innovation and Sport has launched a campaign for Queenslanders to choose their favourite fossil to add to the State’s nine official emblems.
Minister for Tourism, Stirling Hinchliffe said that after feedback from museums, tourism organisations and Councils, 12 fossils had been shortlisted.
“Each of the dozen fossils on the shortlist symbolises Queensland’s natural history, unique landscape and biodiversity,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
“Many of the Southern Hemisphere’s best dinosaur finds are in outback Queensland and we know that Australian and overseas visitors are enthralled by the State’s rich palaeontological history.”
He said the public had previously chosen nine State emblems, including the koala, 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,” Mr Hinchliffe said.
The 12 fossils on the shortlist are:
Diamantinasaurus matildae – heavily-built titanosaur (pictured).
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-age sauropod.
Australotitan Cooperensis – large titanosaur.
Richmond polycotylid – long-snouted plesiosaur.
Obdurodon dicksoni – ancient platypus with teeth.
Lovellea wintonensi – oldest known permineralised fossil flower.
Siderops kehli – giant Jurassic amphibian.
Ridersia watsonae – early sea lily-like animal.
Chief Executive of the Queensland Museum, Jim Thompson said Queensland Museum Network scientists had been involved in the rich and continuing fossil story.
“Australia is one of the last frontiers for dinosaur discovery and Queensland is rapidly becoming known as the paleo-capital of the nation – so it is a must that we have a fossil emblem that represents our State,” Dr Thompson said.
More information about each of the nominees, including the chance to have a say. Can be accessed at this PS News link.
