Fossil fans dug deep to decide dino should get Queensland nod

She said she would engage Minister for Tourism Industry Development Stirling Hinchliffe to lead public consultation, “given the important link to outback tourism”.

In a statement, a spokesman for the Premier said it was not a “key priority” for the government but the proposal was being considered “at no additional cost to taxpayers”.

The Diamantinasaurus fossil, known as Matilda, had been selected by students from schools in the region from a shortlist of two dinosaur fossils and two plant fossils, all of which are found only in Queensland.

Grace Elliott, the museum’s education co-ordinator, was the driving force behind the petition.

“At Winton we’re the epicentre for fossils, particularly dinosaur fossils, so we thought…