After my successful re-election campaign, I will return for a fourth term as the Member for Southport. Along with this important role I have been appointed as the new Minister of Tourism and Fair Trading. This position also includes the Racing and Liquor Licensing portfolios.

During my time as Minister I will be visiting tourism icons all over Queensland and this page will keep track of my work. I encourage everyone to follow my travels as the Minister by reading below my entries into the Minister's Diary where I will write about my latest experiences.

Peter Lawlor.

New Tourists Access to Dinosaurs at Mt Morgan
Posted by editor (editor) on Apr 13 2010
Ministerial Diary >>

During my recent trip to Rockhampton, I was able to discover my inner archaeologist by being lucky enough to officially open the new extensions at the Fireclay Caverns at Mount Morgan. Joined by Member for Rockhampton Robert Schwarten, we were able to explore the Caverns which are home to dinosaur prints that date back to the Jurassic and Cretaceous periods, which occurred millions of years ago. Previously, visitors were unable to view the second grouping of prints because of the difficulties associated with reaching them. That has all changed with the new stairway and viewing platform located in the raised cavern.

Mount Morgan 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. A number of organisations have worked long and hard to make this a reality and I congratulate them on their dedicated work as this is a truly an informative, interesting and enjoyable attraction. The extensions in the Caverns were identified in the State Government's Central Queensland Tourism Opportunity Plan as a project of significant importance to the local tourism market. These sorts of interesting attractions can create a very positive impact on the drive tourism market and further enhance Queensland's reputation with travellers.

Tourism Queensland and Capricorn Tourism are 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. 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: Apr 13 2010 at 3:15 PM