average. A small fraction of these events were also located by the national seismic network of the Australian Geological Survey Organisation which involved around 3 instruments in Queensland compared to around 30 within the Queensland network managed by QUAKES. The earthquake maps give a rough indication of the level of the earthquake hazard within the region. However, comparison between different sub-areas based on the density of epicentres is not possible without analysis to account for the sparseness and variable density of the seismic network. Furthermore, the presence or absence of small or large earthquakes is not necessarily indicative of the future potential of a large earthquake due to the combined effect of network limitations and complexity of the earthquake process. Forecasting of earthquake potential requires high-level analysis and research. Recent work conducted in collaboration with leading international research centres (primarily China, Japan and USA) suggests that intermediate term forecasting is achievable with a suitable network through advanced analysis and computer simulation. Collaborative research with China presented at international conferences during 2000 indicates that both the Newcastle 1989 earthquake and the Burra SA 1997 earthquake were apparently forecastable (Queensland data was not sufficient for similar forecasting research using data within the state). The Queensland earthquake map shows that the State is seismically active and suggests the highest hazard region lies along the populated eastern coast and near offshore regions. The largest earthquakes on the map are the offshore Gladstone 1918 earthquake (Richter magnitude estimate of ML=6.3 based on felt area and