In an unexpected twist for the sleepy town of Biloela, a dull white boulder sitting idly in the main office of Biloela State High School has turned out to be a treasure trove of history. Recent investigations reveal that this seemingly ordinary slab is home to an astonishing 66 fossilized footprints left by 47 individual dinosaurs from the Early Jurassic period, nearly 200 million years ago!

The captivating study, spearheaded by Dr. Anthony Romilio at the University of Queensland's Dinosaur Lab, highlights that these prints feature the distinct three-toed footprints of a small, plant-eating dinosaur known as *Anomoepus scambus*. This intriguing species, characterized by its long legs and stocky body, primarily traversed the ancient landscapes on two feet.

Dr. Romilio emphasized the significance of this boulder, underlining that, intriguingly, no dinosaur skeletal remains from the Jurassic era have been identified in Australia thus far. “While we may not have their bones, these footprints tell us they were certainly present,” he remarked.

The richness of the find is underscored by the discovery of fossilized footprints scattered across regions like Biloela, Callide, Carnarvon Gorge, and Mount Morgan—indicating that *Anomoepus* thrived in central Queensland during the Early Jurassic period and appears to have roamed extensively across the area.

The boulder, which covers less than a square meter and exhibits 13 distinct trackways comprising approximately half of all the footprints, probably served as an ancient riverbank. Dr. Romilio speculated that the prints were created over a span of days or weeks in muddy terrain, likely as these dinosaurs crossed a shallow waterway—imagine a lush, primordial landscape teeming with life!

Interestingly, the origins of the boulder trace back to a geologist named Wes Nichols, who discovered it at Callide mine in 2002. Unbeknownst to the school, the rock was given as a gift, remaining unrecognized until community members reached out to Dr. Romilio after observing similar footprints in nearby locations.

In another stroke of luck, Dr. Romilio recently stumbled upon another overlooked fossilized rock at Callide mine that was being used to mark a parking area—again highlighting the urgency of public awareness in fossil discovery. “The excitement of finding a two-tonne rock with actual dinosaur footprints is simply indescribable!” he exclaimed.

To unveil the mystery of the fossilized prints, Dr. Romilio employed cutting-edge technology, integrating photographs into a vivid 3D model that highlights the footprints against a backdrop of enhanced contrast and lighting.

Given the importance of this groundbreaking discovery, plans are underway to exhibit the boulder at the office of the Banana Shire Council, ensuring that the history it holds captivates visitors and the community alike.

So, what does the future hold for dinosaur enthusiasts and paleontologists in Australia? With no *Anomoepus* bones yet found on Australian soil, Dr. Romilio remains optimistic. He calls on the public to share any discoveries they might come across, emphasizing that the majority of fossils are unearthed not by scientists, but by ordinary people asking the pivotal question: “Is this significant?”

Could this discovery be the beginning of a new chapter in Australia's prehistoric saga? Stay tuned, because the hunt for more ancient treasures is just getting started!