New natural history museum to be built in Eromanga

Eromanga will be home to a new natural history museum and tourism attraction in the future thanks to the Queensland Government’s $495 million Royalties for the Regions program.

Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jeff Seeney said Quilpie Shire Council would receive $500,000 to undertake the first stage of developing the natural history museum.

“The Queensland Government’s Royalties for the Regions program is an essential part of our strong plan to provide a brighter future for regional Queensland,” Mr Seeney said.

“The Eromanga Natural History Museum is an exciting project that will help to preserve the region’s unique natural history and boost tourism in south-west Queensland.

“The majority of funding for the $840,000 project is being provided by our government with contributions also made by council and industry.

“Expanded oil and gas exploration and production in the region has resulted in more than the discovery of natural resources, it has also discovered and excavated tonnes of fossils.

“The protection and conservation of these fossils is important and stage one of this project will develop a preparation, processing and storage facility as well as accommodation for staff, researchers and volunteers.”

Quilpie Shire Mayor Stuart Mackenzie said the Eromanga Natural History Museum had been identified for many years as an important catalyst project that could bring tourism and economic development to south-west Queensland.

“It’s exciting to see it finally recognised by the Queensland Government as it will allow Quilpie Shire to bring south-west Queensland’s amazing fossil heritage to Australia and the world,” Mr Mackenzie said.

“This facility will also act as an evacuation centre for the town of Eromanga, situated 100 kilometres west of Quilpie.

“I compliment the Newman Government and, in particular, the roll-out of the Royalties for the Regions program which is delivering real benefits to regional Queensland.

“It’s wonderful to see this State Government recognising some of the great projects in south-west Queensland that have previously been ignored for so long.”

Last week a total of 19 councils Round 3 applications were announced as successful. For more information visit http://www.qld.gov.au/royalties

[ENDS] 29 May 2014

Media Contact: Jane Paterson 0417 281 754 or Elizabeth Spry 0418 928 744