Age of Dinosaurs museum receives road funding to boost drive tourism

Tourists will enjoy an improved journey back ninety million years thanks to a major funding grant to pave the way to Winton’s popular Age of Dinosaurs museum.

Main Roads and Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said the Winton destination had won funding through the Transport and Tourism Connections program.

“The dinosaur museum is one of eighteen major tourist and culturally significant sites in Western Queensland to benefit from round one of the Palaszczuk Government’s $10 million funding injection to provide better transport and road access,” Mr Bailey said.

“Winton Shire Council successfully applied for two sets of funding with a combined total value of $2.25 million.”

Minister for Local Government and Minister for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships Mark Furner was in Winton today and said the funding was great news for Winton residents and tourists alike.

“It is my pleasure to be in Winton today and announce that the Palaszczuk Government will be providing a $2.25 million boost to road infrastructure here to improve tourism,” Mr Furner said.

“This is an important initiative for Winton after recent floods damaged the museum’s only access road.

“The Age of Dinosaurs museum is just one of the unique sites here in Western Queensland for tourists that nowhere else in the world can offer.”

Mr Bailey said the program provides financial support to established tourist operators to improve their transport and road accessibility.

“With the increasing popularity of drive tourism as a preferred choice for domestic and international tourists, it is essential we make sure our incredible sites are as easy and safe to visit as possible,” he said.

“The program allows the Palaszczuk Government to work with local governments and the private sector to build and upgrade infrastructure to improve access to some of Queensland’s most significant tourism experiences.

“Paving and resealing works are expected to start in Winton in the coming months.” 

Round one of the program totals almost $6 million, with the remaining funding to be announced as part of round two.

Funding for upgrades is on a 50:50 basis with local governments. 

Media contacts

Minister Bailey:           Zoe Russell – 0428 079 640

Minister Furner:           Darren Roberts - 0475 950 772