Latest News
• Add My News • Search Old News
Dinosaur from Bass Coast named as Victoria's official State Fossil EmblemProposed dinosaur trail, to give an experience and understanding about the fossil and dinosaurs that once roamed Bass Coast. By news@gippsland - 14th January 2022 - Back to News 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 projectResembling 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 everyoneBass 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 fossilsThe 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
Related Articles- Bass Coast Shire Council urges state government to act on urgent on Western Port Woodlands protection controls before caretaker period
Bass Coast Shire Council has urged the Victorian Government to introduce interim protections for Western Port Woodlands, citing significant biodiversity values and seeking action before caretaker provisions begin on November 3. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks feedback on new waste charge proposal with various session dates in September and feedback closing on 21 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is consulting on a proposed waste charge for all rateable properties, aiming to fairly share costs and improve transparency around community waste services. - Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community achievements and strong financial performance across the region
Bass Coast Council’s 2025–26 Annual Report highlights major projects, community events, environmental initiatives and financial achievements, including new trails, bike facilities and more than 369,000 native plants. - Bass Coast invites community feedback on new decade-long nature positive strategy for environmental protection and restoration until 15 October 2026
Bass Coast Council is seeking community feedback on its draft Nature Positive Strategy, guiding environmental protection, restoration and enhancement across the region over the next decade. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community input to shape future grants program and strengthen local community initiatives until 4 October 2026
Bass Coast Council is reviewing its Community Grants Program, inviting residents and groups to help shape funding priorities supporting local projects, events, climate action and community initiatives. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback on draft policy to strengthen engagement and decision-making until 21 October 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is seeking feedback on its draft Community Engagement Policy to strengthen participation, clarify engagement expectations and ensure community input informs council decision-making. Submissions close 21 October 2026. - Bass Coast Shire Council seeks community feedback to shape safer roads through New Road Safety Strategy Plan until 10 September 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council is inviting residents to help shape its new Road Safety Strategy through community workshops and an online survey, aiming to reduce crashes and improve safety for all road users across the shire. - Bass Coast Shire Council asks residents to keep FOGO bins cardboard-free following updated recycling guidelines from April 2026
Bass Coast Council asks residents to keep cardboard out of FOGO bins from April 2026, ensuring high-quality compost, reducing contamination, and supporting efficient recycling and local environmental sustainability. - Bass Coast offers free green waste disposal from 31 October to 22 November to help residents prepare for bushfire season
Bass Coast Shire Council will accept domestic green waste free at its four waste facilities from 31 October to 22 November 2026, helping residents reduce bushfire hazards before summer. - Bass Coast businesses celebrated at 2026 Business Awards, recognising excellence and community contribution
The 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrated local business excellence, with Phillip Island Tenpin Bowling & Entertainment Centre named Business of the Year after winning four awards. - Bass Coast Council launches mobile business pilot, creating new trading opportunities across six locations
Bass Coast Council is inviting mobile businesses to apply for a 12-month trading pilot across six locations in Phillip Island, Anderson and Inverloch, with applications closing 27 November 2026. - Bass Coast Shire Council urges vigilance as Phillip Island penguins face H5N1 bird flu threat
Bass Coast is urging vigilance after H5N1 avian influenza was detected on Phillip Island, advising people to avoid sick or dead wildlife. Little penguins will be vaccinated as agencies coordinate efforts to protect wildlife and monitor the outbreak. - Bass Coast Shire Council traineeships open pathways to local careers and opportunities
Bass Coast Council’s 2026 traineeship program supports seven trainees with practical experience, qualifications and career pathways. Applications for 2027 are expected early next year, with opportunities showcased at Phillip Island September expo. - Bass Coast and South Gippsland businesses invited to connect, collaborate and network at upcoming Meet the Makers event in Meeniyan on 13 October 2026
Local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland are invited to Meet the Makers in Meeniyan on October 13, offering networking, collaboration and showcasing opportunities. - Surf Parade shared path moves forward as Bass Coast Shire Council investigates two-way road and carparking design in Inverloch
Bass Coast Shire Council will soon begin construction of the Surf Parade Shared Path in Inverloch, with completion expected by Christmas, while investigating costs and community support for two-way road and carparking. - Coastal erosion forces indefinite closure of Kilcunda Rail Trail section for safety from 26 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council will close a Kilcunda Rail Trail section indefinitely from August 26 after severe erosion washed away two metres of dune, threatening trail safety. - Meet the Makers connects local producers, makers and hospitality businesses across Bass Coast and South Gippsland and other council updates
Meet the Makers will connect Bass Coast and South Gippsland producers, makers and hospitality businesses for networking, collaboration and new opportunities. - Marlo named sole East Gippsland finalist in Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, celebrating community spirit
Marlo was East Gippsland’s sole finalist in the Victorian Top Tiny Tourism Town Awards, recognised for its authentic visitor experiences and strong community-driven tourism campaign. - State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre in Wonthaggi receives major flooring upgrade, enhancing accessibility, creativity and community connection
Living Local Regional Fund support has upgraded Bass Coast’s historic State Coal Mine Rescue Station Arts Centre, improving safety and accessibility while strengthening community programs, creativity, wellbeing, fitness and social connection. - Statement from CEO Tilla Buden - Councillor Ben Lucas to contest Victorian state election
West Ward Councillor Ben Lucas will contest the Victorian State Election on 28 November 2026. He plans to seek leave from Council, with administrative arrangements underway to ensure Council operations and procedures continue during his absence. - Supercars Championship returns to Phillip Island in 2027 following Victorian government multi-year contract announcement
Bass Coast Shire Council has welcomed the Supercars Championship return to Phillip Island in 2027 under a Victorian Government multi-year contract, supporting regional tourism and economic transition following MotoGP and World Superbikes departures. - Cowes Freedom of Entry Parade marks 125 years of Australia's Commonwealth Naval Forces and naval service tradition parade on 7 August 2026
Bass Coast Shire Council invites the community to Cowes' Freedom of Entry Parade on August 7, celebrating 125 years of Australia's naval heritage with HMAS Cape Woolamai personnel and the Royal Australian Navy Band. - Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, turning East Gippsland's produce and remote coast into a destination
Sailors Grave Brewing celebrates ten years, growing from an Orbost butter factory brewery into a celebrated Marlo destination showcasing East Gippsland’s produce, landscapes, creativity and community through distinctive beers and local food. - Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and State MPs to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia’s school lunch program
Darren Chester joined Traralgon Rotary volunteers and MPs Marty Cameron and Melina Bath to prepare 500 sandwiches for Eat Up Australia, providing free school lunches to disadvantaged children across Gippsland. - Berninneit Gallery celebrates 'Forests Through Hoa Nguyen Immersive Art Exhibition' from 12 September to 25 October 2026
Berninneit Art Gallery presents Becoming the Forest, featuring three large-scale drawings by Hoa Nguyen celebrating Bass Coast forests. The exhibition opens September 12, with a Living Earth Gathering on October 3. - Baw Baw Shire Council seeks community feedback on proposed planning amendment updating flood maps across several towns by 29 January 2027
Baw Baw Shire Council is seeking submissions on proposed flood mapping updates affecting 1,438 additional properties, with changes covering Warragul, Yarragon, Trafalgar and surrounding communities. Submissions close January 29, 2027.
|
|
