It will be business as usual at Outback at Isa while the Riversleigh Fossil Centre is closed temporarily to enable a comprehensive revitalisation project that will significantly enhance visitors' experience to go ahead.
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Monday January 27 marked the end of an era for the Riversleigh Fossil Centre, which is situated within Outback at Isa and has informed and entertained thousands of people of all ages since it was opened almost 25 years ago.
The closure marks the beginning of preparation works in the lead-up to building works, which are expected to start on Monday February 17.
Mayor Joyce McCulloch, who is also the Chair of Mount Isa City Council Owned Enterprises, which operates Outback at Isa, said the revitalised Riversleigh Fossil Centre will be a boon to Mount Isa tourism, highlighting further the importance of the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Riversleigh as well as creating a special atmosphere at Outback at Isa.
"There is so much to see and do at Outback at Isa, including the Hard Times Mine tours, Isa Experience museum, Outback Park, the Outback at Isa Café and the Mount Isa Regional Art Gallery, and these will all be operating as normal throughout this project, as will the reception desk," Cr McCulloch said.
"We apologise for any inconvenience that may be caused while the Riversleigh Fossil Centre revitalisation works take place, and we thank visitors for their patience and understanding and ask them to bear with us, particularly during the building phase of the project when things may get a bit noisy in the facility.
"But I guarantee that the wait will be more than worth it, and people will be very impressed with the end result once the Fossil Centre reopens in late May with a fresh new look and all-new displays."
During the temporary closure of the Fossil Centre, daily talks about Riversleigh fossils, conducted by Outback at Isa tour guide Alan Rackham, will be held at 2pm in the room adjacent to the reception desk.
The revitalisation works were made possible thanks to funding from the Department of Innovation and Tourism Industry Development through the Outback Tourism Infrastructure Fund, as well as the North West Queensland Economic Diversification Implementation Plan.
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Aidan Green
Aidan Green is a Journalist for the North West Star. Aidan is a sports fanatic and also has interests in globalisation and political science. If you have a scoop shoot him an email a.green@northweststar.com.au
Aidan Green is a Journalist for the North West Star. Aidan is a sports fanatic and also has interests in globalisation and political science. If you have a scoop shoot him an email a.green@northweststar.com.au
