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Dinosaur dig at Inverloch starts with $500,000 grant from Victorian government Enabling Tourism Fund for Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail

Team of 'dino hunters' will embark on the first 'dinosaur dig' at Inverloch since the COVID-19 pandemic.

By news@gippsland - 13th February 2023 - Back to News

This week a team of 'dino hunters' will embark on the first 'dinosaur dig' at Inverloch since the COVID-19 pandemic, as Bass Coast Shire Council ramps up plans for a $40 million world-class Dinosaurs Trail to celebrate the area's fascinating prehistoric heritage. The team of 20, including leading palaeontologists, researchers and volunteers will start excavating sections of the intertidal (foreshore) zone at Flat Rocks near The Caves, south of Inverloch, looking for fossilised bones and evidence of the prehistoric age.

Bass Coast has the most diverse range of polar dinosaurs in the world and coal reserves in Kilcunda and Wonthaggi were formed from the forests these creatures inhabited

Digging the fossils

The Caves is a well-known site that harbours precious polar dinosaur fossils dating back 126 million years. It will also become one of the sites in the planned Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail, which is now in its design phase.

As part of the dinosaur dig, which is expected to run for seven days, the team will painstakingly dig by hand down more than 1m of sand and water from the foreshore to create an excavation site, around 2.5m by 5m in size. Experts will then remove the fossil layer with hammers and long chisels before examining the rock for fossilised dinosaur bones and other material of interest.

Excavating caves and coastline

Dinosaur Dreaming dig coordinator Lesley Kool said the group had excavated The Caves site for 20 consecutive seasons from 1994 to 2013, unearthing close to 20,000 fossilised bones of dinosaurs, mostly microfossils no larger than 5cm.

"It's a unique part of the coastline because in this area the rocks have been dated to around 126 million years so they're some of the oldest Cretaceous rocks in Australia. This is one of just a handful of early Cretaceous polar sites in the world, so it makes it very special." Mrs Kool said.

Search for evidence

Mrs Kool said part of the excavation would be to search for evidence of tiny tribosphenic mammals, about the size of mice, which existed in the same period. New research shows they may have originated in the southern hemisphere and not the northern hemisphere as first thought.

"In looking for these mammals previously we have found evidence of small and large dinosaurs, including small bipedal plant eaters, as well as small meat eating dinosaurs, about the size of the Velociraptor, and larger meat eaters as well," she said.

"The site we will be working at The Caves is a particularly rich site. It's the remains of an ancient riverbed so these are bones of animals that have been washed down the river and have concentrated at a certain point, perhaps a bend in the river. Over the many years that we have worked there, we have found close to 20,000 bones from that site, including theropod or meat eating dinosaur teeth and ornithopods." Mrs Kool said.

Sharing with the community

Mrs Kool said the excavation would be done in stages due to the tidal movements. "Because it's in the intertidal zone, we can only work the site about three hours either side of low tide and every time the tide comes in, it fills in our excavation site with sand and water," she said. "Every day we will go back and have to dig it all out again."

The Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail creative team is currently planning the design of the project, thanks to a $500,000 grant from the state government's Enabling Tourism Fund. It is expected the creative design concepts will be completed in coming months and will be shared with the community mid-year.

The $20 million first stage of the project will include six creative experience sites, from San Remo to Inverloch, linking polar dinosaur fossils with each location. In addition, These sites include a Gondwana garden with multimedia extension in Wonthaggi, and dinosaur experience playground at Inverloch. The $20 million second stage will include a Museum Discovery Centre and Stargazing Observatory.

The Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail will be a unique and valuable tourism asset that celebrates and promotes the global significance of the region's prehistoric heritage

Region's prehistoric stage

Bass Coast Shire Council CEO Ali Wastie said the dig provided an opportunity for the Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail design team to experience first-hand the incredible history that existed in the region. "The Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail will be an exciting, unique and valuable tourism asset that will celebrate the global significance of our region's prehistoric heritage."

"This dig is the only one to be organised this season and is a chance for the creative team to observe and speak with the excavation team onsite, to be inspired and to learn about the fossils and polar dinosaurs that once roamed Bass Coast." Ms Wastie said. For more information, visit Bass Coast Dinosaurs Trail page.

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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• Bruthen and Buchan town centre upgrades boost tourism, safety, and local businesses with $3.8M government support
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• Melina Bath condemns Allan government’s ‘land grab,’ opposing farmland seizure before environmental approvals complete
  The Allan Labor government passed laws allowing energy companies to compulsory acquire farmland before approvals, prompting Nationals’ Melina Bath to condemn the "land grab" and call for proper consultation and safeguards.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government release clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital redevelopment stages
  Melina Bath demands the Allan government release a clear construction timeline for Wonthaggi Hospital Stages 2 and 3, warning delays leave healthcare workers overburdened and residents facing escalating patient demand.
• Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor government for neglecting regional PSOs while funding Melbourne stations
  Morwell MP Martin Cameron criticises Allan Labor Government for neglecting regional PSOs, citing rising Gippsland crime and calling for equal safety protections and additional officers under Coalition plans.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to prioritise urgent upgrades for Gippsland schools in poor condition
  Melina Bath urges Allan Government to urgently upgrade Gippsland schools, highlighting 2025 report revealing many in poor condition, with ageing infrastructure and maintenance deficits impacting students’ education.
• Melina Bath criticises Labor government shutting public beekeeping, threatening Victoria's food security and horticultural jobs
  Melina Bath condemned the Allan Labor government's closure of public land beekeeping, warning it threatens food security, pollination, horticultural exports, and regional jobs, calling for policy reversal and support for apiarists.
• Martin Cameron criticises Labor government over delayed Morwell sobering-up facility, broken promises and lack of ministerial accountability
  Martin Cameron criticised the Allan Labor government for failing to deliver the promised Morwell sobering-up facility, ignoring repeated parliamentary questions, leaving the Latrobe Valley without adequate public intoxication support.
• Melina Bath urges Allan government to urgently address hazardous roadside vegetation threatening eastern Victoria communities
  Nationals’ Melina Bath warns eastern Victoria communities face bushfire risks from overgrown roadside vegetation, urging Allan Government to implement slashing, controlled burning, and weed management to improve public safety.
• Tim Bull calls on the state government to prioritise commercial fishers in fuel supply efforts amid ongoing shortages
  Tim Bull urges State Government to prioritise fuel access for commercial fishers, highlighting their economic and food production role, while seeking federal excise relief amid rising costs and industry pressures.
• Farmers demand urgent government action as pest animals surge across East Gippsland and Victoria
  Farmers in East Gippsland and eastern Victoria face rising pest animal impacts, with ASAC urging coordinated government action, long-term funding and improved control measures to protect agriculture, livelihoods and communities.
• Melina Bath demands Allan government deliver promised 'Youth Crime Prevention Program' for Latrobe Valley
  The Nationals are demanding the Allan government deliver the long-promised Youth Crime Prevention Program in Latrobe Valley, addressing rising youth crime, restoring diversion programs, and supporting at-risk young people effectively.
• Southern Rural Water supports South West Victorian farmers through groundwater access and the 'Farmer Helping Farmer' initiative
  A section of the Main Northern Channel near Brewers Hill Road, Maffra, damaged by wombats, has been repaired. Water will return to full capacity, and normal delivery will resume tomorrow.
• Melina Bath blames Allan government as Victoria's public housing waitlist surges amid worsening housing crisis
  Victoria's housing crisis deepens as public housing waitlists surge past 60,000. Melina Bath blames the Allan government's inaction, rising taxes, and mismanagement for worsening homelessness and unaffordable rents across the state.
• Danny O'Brien urges Allan Labor government to fix online rebate issues affecting CFA and SES volunteers' access to support
  Danny O'Brien has urged the Allan Labor Government to fix the online-only rebate system, saying CFA and SES volunteers struggle to access support and deserve easier, paper-based application options.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government over bill limiting veterans' rights to appeal medal and bravery decisions
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned the Albanese government's proposed Defence Honours Bill, claiming it restricts veterans' rights to appeal medal decisions and undermines the independent Tribunal's role in recognising bravery.
• Tim Bull criticises Labor government for mismanagement, volunteer cuts, and inadequate fuel reduction ahead of high-risk summer season
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull warns communities face extreme bushfire risk this summer due to Labor’s volunteer cuts, ageing CFA fleet, inadequate fuel reduction, and failure to implement Royal Commission recommendations.
• Peri Urban Councils urge state government to invest in infrastructure and support housing growth across regions
  Peri Urban Councils Victoria is urging government investment in infrastructure after a new report recommended 40% of new homes be built in regional Australia, highlighting housing demand, high costs, and infrastructure pressures.
• Experience the George Bass Coastal Walk with dramatic cliffs, secluded beaches, scenic views, and coastal adventure
  The George Bass Coastal Walk offers dramatic clifftop views, hidden beaches, wildlife sightings, and nearby cafes, pubs, and rail trails, creating a scenic Gippsland adventure just over 1.5 hours from Melbourne.
• Martin Cameron calls on Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train capacity during free travel April promotion
  Martin Cameron urges Allan Labor government to increase Gippsland line train carriages, warning free travel and school holidays will overwhelm current V/Line services, creating unsafe, overcrowded conditions.
• Tim Bull condemns Labor government for rejecting Jack’s Law, delaying vital reforms to prevent knife-related harm
  Gippsland East MP Tim Bull criticises Labor for blocking Jack’s Law, a proven reform to enhance police powers, remove dangerous weapons, and improve community safety against knife-related violence.
• Coalition demands Albanese government regulate veterans’ advocacy sector after damning Senate committee report release
  The Coalition urges urgent laws to regulate veterans’ advocacy, citing unethical practices, rising commercial providers, data risks, and unmet Royal Commission reforms to better protect vulnerable veterans and their families.
• Melina Bath criticises Allan government over poor safety ratings on Eastern Victoria roads
  Melina Bath criticises Allan government after AusRAP reveals most eastern Victoria roads rated one or two stars, highlighting neglect, poor maintenance, and increased risk of serious injury or fatalities.
• Entries open for 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards celebrating innovation, excellence and community success
  Entries are open for the 2026 Bass Coast Business Awards, celebrating local business excellence across judged and People’s Choice categories, with applications closing 8 May and community voting closing 29 May 2026.
• Latrobe City Council approves funding for three major events, boosting tourism and generating over $6.5M economic impact
  Latrobe City Council will fund three major events, including ProMX, Football Victoria Championships, and Junior International Tennis, generating over $6.5 million economic impact and boosting local tourism and community engagement.
• East Gippsland Council and farmers welcome the $2.75M boost for feral pig control under the Victorian government's Protecting Biodiversity program
  East Gippsland Shire Council and farmers welcome $2.75 million for feral pig control, focusing on public land, local employment, and coordinated efforts to protect agriculture, biodiversity, and regional communities.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing and socially affordable homes, warns Cr Nathan Hersey
  One Gippsland warns Gippsland’s growth risks stalling without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, and social housing to support workforce, industries, and rapidly growing communities across the region.
• Field and Game petition exceeds 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws and community safety concerns
  A Field and Game Australia petition, supported by Melina Bath, surpasses 12,000 signatures, prompting Victorian Parliament debate on firearm laws, urging evidence-based policy and protecting law-abiding gun owners.
• Melina Bath condemns Allan Labor government cuts halting maintenance at local police stations
  Melina Bath criticises Allan Labor government for halting police station maintenance, citing $50 million budget cuts, unsafe conditions, overgrown grounds, broken lighting and delayed repairs jeopardising staff and public safety.
• Martin Cameron slams Allan Labor government over year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings
  Nationals MP Martin Cameron criticised Labor's year-long failure to clarify ownership of Traralgon vacant buildings, after multiple ministerial referrals left residents concerned about neglect, squatters, and ongoing government inaction.
• The Gurdies Winery offers scenic Bass Coast views, cool-climate wines and a welcoming cellar door for locals and visitors alike
  The Gurdies Winery on Bass Coast offers stunning Western Port Bay views, cool-climate wines, a welcoming cellar door, modern winemaking facilities, and a popular venue for events and community gatherings.
• Danny O’Brien denounces Port Welshpool Coastguard funding snub despite 25-year-old vessel and critical rescue role
  Danny O’Brien criticised the state government for overlooking Port Welshpool Coastguard, leaving its 25-year-old vessel unreliable, and urged clarity and reconsideration of funding decisions for critical local rescue services.
• Kickstart your career locally with Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program send applications by 26 January 2026
  Bass Coast Shire Council’s 2026 Traineeship Program offers young people and career returners real-world experience, Certificate III qualifications, flexible work, and pathways to permanent roles across seven diverse disciplines.
• Darren Chester slams Albanese government veterans medal review limit, undermining Tribunal independence
  Shadow Minister Darren Chester has condemned Labor's legislation imposing a 20-year limit on veterans' medal reviews, arguing it undermines the Tribunal's independence and disenfranchises veterans and families seeking fair recognition.
• Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
  Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards.
• Melina Bath praises Gippsland seafood excellence at Victorian Industry Awards, highlighting quality and sustainability
  Melina Bath praised Gippsland seafood businesses in state parliament, highlighting quality, sustainability, local jobs, and regional economic contribution at the 2026 Victorian Industry Seafood Awards.
• Harman Wines: Sustainable Bass Coast vineyard blending cool-climate wines, fresh food, hospitality and rural charm
  Harman Wines in Wattle Bank combines sustainable, off-grid practices with cool-climate wines, fresh seasonal food, and warm hospitality, creating a relaxed Bass Coast destination for family, friends, and wine lovers alike.
• Omeo tourism report and investment prospectus highlight opportunities for growth and visitor experiences
  The newly released Omeo Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Investment Prospectus highlight opportunities for investors, showcasing growth potential in hospitality, services, visitor experiences, and adventure tourism in Victoria’s alpine region.
• Gippsland’s growth at risk without urgent government investment in housing, infrastructure, warns One Gippsland Chair
  One Gippsland warns growth could stall without urgent investment in housing and infrastructure to support workforce, energy projects, and address social, affordable housing shortages across the region.
• Commercial mooring approved on Brodribb River, Marlo, enabling unique marine tourism experiences in East Gippsland
  A commercial mooring licence on Marlo’s Brodribb River will support a 12-metre sailing catamaran, offering guided tours and boosting East Gippsland’s marine tourism and local economy.
• Tim Bull trashes misused Treasurer’s Advance as Allan government wastes $9M on costly failed camping trial
  The Allan government spent $9 million in emergency funds on a failed free-camping trial, creating "ghost bookings" and hurting local businesses, prompting Nationals MP Tim Bull to condemn the misuse and demand accountability.
• Commercial mooring approved on Brodribb River, enabling new sailing tourism experience in Marlo
  A commercial mooring licence on Marlo’s Brodribb River enables a 12-metre catamaran to offer guided tours, boosting marine tourism, visitor experiences, and economic growth in East Gippsland.
• Darren Chester urges more fuel reduction to protect Victorian communities from bushfires
  Darren Chester urged increased fuel reduction on Victorian public land, warning unmanaged forests worsen bushfires, and criticised the native timber industry shutdown while praising volunteers and community resilience.
• East Gippsland Rail Trail upgraded and officially opened, boosting tourism, and local economy across the 96km trail
  The final 11.46 km of the East Gippsland Rail Trail is complete, fully resurfaced, and open, boosting tourism, supporting local businesses, and providing a high-quality recreational asset for the community.
• Noojee chosen for Healthy Forest Plans Pilot with $4M funding to boost tourism and local economy
  Baw Baw Shire welcomes Noojee’s $4 million Healthy Forest Plans Pilot funding, part of a $30 million Victorian government initiative to boost regional tourism, support economic transition, and create local jobs.
• Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, bike parking, greenery, and Victorian government investment
  Omeo’s Day Avenue upgraded with safer streets, accessible paths, signage, parking, bike facilities, greenery, and $200,000 Victorian government investment, creating jobs and enhancing experiences for locals and visitors.
• Southern Rural Water celebrates World Tourism Day 2025 while linking people, culture, nature, and sustainable regional tourism
  World Tourism Day 2025 highlights water’s role in southern Victoria, connecting people, culture, recreation, agriculture, and sustainable tourism while supporting communities, ecosystems, and Traditional Owner cultural heritage.
• Wellington libraries upgrade with RFID technology, enabling faster borrowing and improved user experiences across all branches over six months
  Wellington libraries are upgrading with RFID technology, introducing self-loan stations, automated return chutes, and smart bins, improving borrowing efficiency, reducing manual handling, and allowing staff to focus on programs and services.
• Join Omeo's visitor economy through tourism mapping and justice precinct masterplan vision sessions on 14 September 2025
  Omeo visitor economy's future will be shaped through community sessions presenting the Tourism Ecosystem Mapping Report and Draft Justice Precinct Masterplan, highlighting heritage, recreation, and opportunities to attract investment.
• Martin Cameron blasts Labor over Tyers bridge blunder, says government failed truckies and ignored safety warnings
  Martin Cameron has criticised Labor after revelations the Tyers bridge weight limit remained at 30 tonnes months after upgrades, accusing the government of negligence and failing regional Victorians.
• Nationals pledge to restore Parentline funding, criticise Labor's decision to axe vital family counselling service for Gippslanders
  The Nationals vow to reinstate Parentline funding if elected, condemning Labor's cut to the vital family counselling service that supports Victorian parents, particularly in regional communities facing limited access to services.
• Melina Bath warns diesel crisis threatens regional Victoria, urging Allan government to prioritise agriculture, transport and food
  Melina Bath warned regional Victoria faces a diesel crisis, urging the Allan government to prioritise fuel for farms, transport, and households to protect food supply and regional economic stability.
• Danny O’Brien warns Gippslanders to stay alert as fake government email and text scams increase
  Danny O’Brien urges residents to stay vigilant against sophisticated government-themed email and text scams, verify messages using Scam Safe Check, and report suspicious activity to protect the community.
• CFA faces critical staffing shortages in Gippsland as Labor government fails to act before dangerous fire season
  A new report reveals serious CFA staffing shortages in Gippsland, with vacancies, fatigue, and leadership gaps risking slower responses this dangerous fire season. Labor must act urgently.
• Melina Bath urges East Gippsland cricket clubs, schools and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants by 27 March 2026
  Melina Bath encourages regional cricket clubs, schools, and community groups to apply for Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund grants supporting facility upgrades and inclusive participation opportunities. Applications close 27 March 2026.