Workers upgrading a level crossing in Brisbane have stumbled upon a trove of ancient plant and animal fossils believed to be 50 million years old.
The builders made the discovery during excavation works last month near the Geebung Railway Station.
The fossils were brought to the surface in the discharge from a piling rig, which had been driving piles about 15 metres below the ground.
The remains of ancient crocodiles, fish, freshwater molluscs and plants are contained within a layer of shale oil, which is approximately 50 million years old.
An excited Lord Mayor Graham Quirk says it's a fascinating discovery.
Transport Minister Scott Emerson, who has been overseeing the construction works, says there could be more fossils in the area.
He says project engineers are working with the University of Queensland and the Queensland Museum on the discovery.
"They are of course also interested in retrieving any other fossils that may be located in the vicinity of this one," Mr Emerson said.
Queensland Museum Network CEO Professor Suzanne Miller said the find was significant for Brisbane and Queensland.
"This site is particularly significant because very few sites of this age are available for study, as similar-aged sites in the greater Brisbane area are often no longer accessible due to housing and urban development," Prof Miller said.
"The construction works have fortuitously provided access to a new locality that was not previously known to palaeontologists."
Mr Emerson said the discovery would not hinder progress on the level crossing project.
