David Littleproud (Maranoa, National Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

People working in outback tourism do an outstanding job of boosting tourism and helping our drought-affected communities build resilience. Today, I would like to acknowledge the winners of the Outback Queensland Tourism Awards held in Windorah last weekend. I would like to make special mention of a few today.

The Major Tourist Attraction Award was won by Winton's Australian Age of Dinosaurs Museum of Natural History—a cutting-edge museum dedicated to our prehistoric history. Last month, the museum announced the Savannasaurus elliottoruma dinosaur that once inhabited western Queensland, according to Winton deposits. Kinnon & Co. in Longreach, who take our tourists back in time, took the prizes for the Cultural Tourism Award and the Standard Accommodation Award. The work of Alan Smith and his team at Outback Aussie Tours in Longreach won the Tour and Transport Operator Award. I was in Longreach only last weekend at one of Alan's impressive events: a dinner on the platform of the 100-year-old Longreach Railway Station. The Outstanding Contribution by a Volunteer or Volunteer Group Award was won by the Roma Saleyards Tour Leaders. Their tours are a real eye-opener for Roma-bound tourists.

I make special mention also of the Hall of Fame Awards going to the famous Birdsville Races and the Qantas Founders Museum, with its CEO Tony Martin. When it comes to Qantas aviation history, you will not find a man more passionate than Tony. The Local Government Award went to Diamantina Shire Council.

To all my colleagues, I say: pick up your bags and head to the great Australian outback. We certainly have a lot to offer.