New Tourist Access to Dinosaurs at Mr Morgan
Posted by editor (editor) on Jun 10 2010
2010 >>

For the first time, visitors will be able to view previously unseen dinosaur prints millions of years old at the Mount Morgan mine near Rockhampton.

Tourism Minister Peter Lawlor today officially opened new extensions, including a stairway and viewing platform, to provide visitors with an opportunity to view a second grouping of dinosaur prints in Fireclay Caverns.

“The caverns contain dinosaur prints dating back to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods which occurred millions of years ago,” he said.

“Previously, visitors were unable to view the second grouping of prints because of the difficulties associated with reaching them. That will all change with the new stairway and viewing platform located in the raised cavern.”

Mr Lawlor said the extension was identified in the State Government’s Central Queensland Tourism Opportunity Plan as a project of significant importance to the local tourism market.

“A number of organisations had worked long and hard to make this a reality,” he said.

Capricorn Tourism CEO Mary Carroll said Mount Morgan is certainly a jewel in the crown of the Capricorn region.

“We are so fortunate to have such a unique and amazing historical attraction here,” she said.

“To have dinosaur prints in our own backyard is simply remarkable.

“This is one of the only places in Australia where you will be able to see the base of the footprints on the cave because they have been exposed.”

Mr Lawlor said last year, the Mount Morgan Promotion and Development Inc received $50,000 under the State Government’s $600,000 Regional Minor Tourism Infrastructure Grant Program.

“This program is part of the State Government’s commitment to boosting Queensland’s drive tourism market.

“It follows on from the success of the 2008 Minor Tourism Infrastructure Grants Scheme which provided more than $250,000 for 11 projects in North West Queensland.”

Mr Lawlor said the drive tourism market was worth more than $4B to Queensland and accounted for around 70 percent of the overnight leisure market.

“Considering the size of our State, existing facilities and infrastructure can be many kilometres apart and that’s something we can improve on,” he said.

“That’s why these grant programs are targetting regions that are popular for driving holidays and special interest experiences.

“These sorts of improvements can make a very positive impact on the drive tourism market and further enhance Queensland’s reputation with travellers.

“It’s all about making the experience more comfortable for the grey nomads, backpackers and other visitors.”

Mr Lawlor said this year’s funding program from the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation would support up to 15 projects throughout Queensland.

“These projects will be located within shires neighbouring the Matilda Highway, Pacific Coast Touring Route and the Country Way, Overlander’s Way, Savannah Way and Outback Way,” he said.

Mr Lawlor said Tourism Queensland and Capricorn Tourism were also promoting the Fireclay Caverns as part of the Dig the Tropic marketing campaign.

“The caverns will be promoted throughout the year as one of the 14 key points of interest across the Tropic of Capricorn running from the Outback to the Reef,” he said.

“This campaign has the potential to significantly increase the number of visitors to the Mount Morgan region which will have a flow-on effect for other tourism sites as well as local business.”

Last changed: Jun 10 2010 at 2:39 PM