Under the theme “Unearthing our Past and Future” the IGC will showcase the Oceania region's geoscience strengths, innovations and natural wonders, through an exciting range of pre and post Congress field trips.

The Congress will be staged at the highly acclaimed Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, a world class venue that has hosted numerous large and very successful international meetings. Brisbane offers great August weather, value for money and proximity to geo-tourist features such as the Great Barrier Reef.

AUSTRALIA 2012 will include a GeoExpo, an education outreach program, and a support program to encourage young delegates to attend. The IGC will demonstrate the crucial role that geoscience plays in the quest for sustainable development and show how geoscience contributes directly to the future of its resource-based industries, land and water management and mitigation of geohazards.