A magnitude 3.1 earthquake that occurred three weeks ago 35km east of Rainbow Beach was not reported by the federal and state authorities. This was most likely because of a lack of instrumentation in the region, according to Central Queensland University seismologist Mike Turnbull.

"It's likely the monitors in Roma, Quilpie, Charters Towers and Mount Isa were too far away to pick it up," said Mr Turnbull who, after reviewing his own data recorded in Gin Gin, and data recorded on an instrument at Mt Morgan, determined that the quake occurred at 6:34am on Thursday, June 20.

"In this region we have the highest hazard for quakes in Queensland but we don't have well-maintained, permanent equipment to monitor activity," explained Mr Turnbull.

Historical records for the Wide Bay/Burnett region show that at least one earthquake of this magnitude is expected to occur every year. The last such event in the region was near Eidsvold on May 2, 2002, at 7:50am. That event was magnitude 3.0, and was widely felt by residents of Eidsvold.

Forecasting of earthquake potential requires consistent analysis and research. Recent work suggests that accurate forecasting is achievable if a suitable network of monitoring stations is established. "I have been lobbying 11 councils in the North Burnett region to contribute about eleven dollars a day each, to contribute to the safety of thousands of people who live in the region," stated Mr Turnbull. With that level of commitment, Mr Turnbull explained, Central Queensland University could apply for an Australian Research Council grant to help purchase accurate monitors.

"Because we don't have the apparatus, we don't know what the low level activity is. Most of these tremors aren't immediately harmful, but that does not mean they're not significant. There are implications for rail transport, and for people who work in the mines, for example," added Mr Turnbull.

The earthquake map shows significant seismic activity along the coast and hinterland in the Wide Bay/ Burnett region, but much of that information is based on historical data, not current reports. Earthquakes with the potential to cause serious damage occur on average about every 85 years in the region. The two largest earthquakes ever to be recorded along the East Coast of mainland Australia occurred in the North Burnett region.

"We need to determine what the danger is," said Mr Turnbull.