Queenslanders are being asked to pick their favourite fossil to add to Queensland’s nine official emblems from April 11.
There are 12 shorlisted fossils available to vote on, after feedback from museums, tourism organisations and councils.
“Each of the dozen fossils on the shortlist symbolises Queensland’s natural history, unique landscape and biodiversity,” state Tourism Minster Stirling Hinchliffe 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.”
Queenslanders have previously chosen nine State emblems including the koala, Cooktown orchid, the brolga, sapphire gem, Great Barrier Reef Anemone fish, and an official colour – the mighty maroon.
The Palaszczuk Government has consulted with regional tourism organisations, councils and museum palaeontology experts to shortlist a dozen fossils for Queensland’s tenth official emblem:
- 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
To learn more about each of the nominees and to have your say visit www.qld.gov.au/fossilemblem