Gippsland › Latest news › Bass Coast Local News
Dinosaur from Bass Coast named as Victoria's official State Fossil Emblem
Proposed dinosaur trail, to give an experience and understanding about the fossil and dinosaurs that once roamed Bass Coast.
In exciting news for the Bass Coast region, the locally discovered Koolasuchus Cleelandi has been named as Victoria's official State Fossil Emblem, following a public vote. The four-metre Koolasuchus Cleelandi had dozens of ridged fangs for piercing prey and two-inch tusks growing from the roof of its mouth. It was first discovered in 1978 near San Remo and fossils of Koolasuchus have only been found at beaches and coves in South Gippsland.
Koolasuchus Cleelandi is a 'relic' species found in VIctoria that lived 50 million years after its relatives went extinct and is named for Michael Cleeland and Lesley Kool, who found the first Koolasuchus fossil and prepared it from surrounding rock
Developing a trail project
Resembling something between a huge salamander and a crocodile, Koolasuchus cCeelandi lived in the rushing rivers that separated Australia and Antarctica during the Cretaceous period.
The species was named after fossil collector, educator and Bass Coast local Michael Cleeland who, in 1990, found the fossilised jaw that became the holotype of the species, and Melbourne Museum research associate Lesley Kool, who spent months preparing the specimens. Koolasuchus is also something of a play on words as the species lived in a cool environment when Victoria was deep in the southern polar circle.
Bass Coast Shire Council Acting CEO, Greg Box, said Koolasuchus Cleelandi is the hero of the proposed Bass Coast Dinosaur Trail. "Lesley Kool and Mike Cleeland have been instrumental in developing the Trail project, which makes this announcement even more exciting," Mr Box said.
Opportunity for everyone
Bass Coast Shire Mayor, Cr Michael Whelan said that the San Remo site, and the Dinosaurs Trail as a whole, presents a wonderful learning opportunity. "San Remo, where the dinosaur was discovered has been identified as a key site in this unique experience and presents a significant opportunity for everyone to develop an understanding about the uniqueness of polar dinosaur fossils, their history and the global significance of this stretch of coastline," Cr Whelan said.
The Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail experience will generate enthusiasm in different parts of our region, drawing new and existing visitors deeper into the communities and economies of the Bass Coast.
Promoting the importance of fossils
The Trail will complement the permanent display at the Melbourne Museum and exhibitions such as 600 Million Years which showcases the origin of life in Victoria and features the Koolasuchus Cleelandi. "We look forward to partnering with the State Government to promote the importance of fossils and species such as the Koolasuchus in the future," Cr Whelan said.
For more information on the Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail, visit Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail Masterplan, phone 1300 BCOAST (226 278) or (03) 5671 2211 or email basscoast@basscoast.vic.gov.au.
Pictures from Bass Coast Shire website.
Source: www.gippsland.com
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Latest News
Baw Baw Shire Council welcomes Victorian government grants aiding Noojee transition from timber harvestingDarren Chester calls for stop to rural health merger citing risks to Gippsland services due to lack of consultation, secrecy and autonomy loss
Nicholson Primary School students get chance to discuss Parliament while receiving certificates from Darren Chester
Russell Broadbent urges government budget accountability to alleviate cost-of-living pressure to tackle inflation and alleviate cost-of-living pressures following the Reserve Bank decision
Senators to reject Fresh food tax after report reveals lack of clarity and adverse impact on farmers and families
ACV/GARDS gets $560K for Gippsland asbestos victims and additional $19.3M for asbestos removal from Victorian Labor government
AstraZeneca admission of blood clot risks prompts concerns about misinformation in Australian push for COVID-19 vaccinations
Baw Baw Shire Council continues advocacy for key unfunded projects despite limited aid from 2024/25 Victorian State Budget
Darren Chester presses for federal backing on proposed roundabout on Maffra-Sale Rd intersection to complete partial funded from Victorian government
South Gippsland Shire Mayor Clare Williams elected president of Australian Local Government Women's Association and more council updates