Riversleigh Fossil Centre revitalisation project update

Published: 6th December 2019

Riversleigh Fossil Centre at Outback at Isa is one step closer to revitalisation as planning ramps up and works begin.

The $1.44 million project, 75 per cent of which is funded by the Department of Innovation, Tourism Industry Development and the Commonwealth Games as part of the “Outback Tourism Infrastructure Fund” will be a boost to tourism in Mount Isa.

Focus Productions who are undertaking the project design, was on site this week and Mayor Joyce McCulloch said works to be undertaken immediately include the emptying of the pond in the foyer of the centre, and subtle changes to the layout of Outback at Isa to accommodate the project.

“This project will allow for some much needed changes to the floor plan and visitor flow at Outback at Isa and we are looking forward to progressing works this month,” Cr McCulloch said.

Cr McCulloch said the project team were currently working with University of New South Wales, Department of Environment and Science and other stakeholders to collate the Riversleigh story, including photos, videos and information shared by staff to help shape the new and exciting displays.

“With Riversleigh being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, we have an incredible story to tell here at our Fossil Centre and the team are working diligently to ensure it is captured perfectly,” Cr McCulloch said.

Currently builders are working on the demolition and rebuild scope to firm up time frames for each, and the temporary closure of the existing Riversleigh Fossil Centre is late January 2020, with an estimated opening date of May 2020.

Pic: Managing Director of Focus Productions Pty Ltd Joel Nebauer with Riversleigh Fossil Centre’s Alan Rackham.