It is one of the most remarkable fossil deposits in the world, but until now it has been the "best-kept secret" in Murgon in Queensland's South Burnett region.
The 55-million-year-old fossils date from the early Tertiary Period and include the world's oldest songbirds.
They were found on a private property in Murgon in the 1930s but did not receive significant scientific attention until the 1980s.
That is about to change, with the fossils to be a main feature of a long-awaited cultural centre comprised of fossil museum and art gallery.
Local Councillor Kathy Duff said the community was only just learning about the find.
"The fossils have been the best-kept secret in Murgon," Ms Duff said.
Museum a huge morale boost
The Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O'Brien this week announced $1.6 million to build the cultural centre.
Ms Duff said it was a boost for the community, which has been dealing with the impacts of prolonged drought and COVID-19 restrictions.
"I've been elected for 16 years, and it was the first thing people wanted; an art gallery, a museum for Murgon, so we are so excited," she said.
"There's a lot going to happen in that space which is going to bring people.
"It will create jobs [and] tourism; it has ongoing benefits not just for Murgon but for the whole region."
Murgon fossils' significance not lost on scientists
The Australian Museum said Murgon was the only site in the country where scientists have recorded diverse fossils from vertebrate fauna from the early Tertiary Period.
The museum said discoveries from the site included the only remains of leiopelmatid frogs, Australian salamanders — Australia's oldest placental land mammal — and the Australonycteris clarkae; Australia's oldest bat.
Museum scientists said the discoveries at the site indicated placentals and marsupials lived in Australia in the early Tertiary Period, 55 million years ago.
Ms Duff said the museum would also be a drawcard for tourists to the region.
"Absolutely we're hoping it will bring extra tourists to the region," she said.
"They're working on getting approvals, and it's just full steam ahead from here."
