One explanation as to how the volcanic activity occured in ancient Lamington is related to continental drift.

The volcanic magma is believed to have been generated at a "hot-spot" in the earth's mantles, deep below the crust. As the Australian continent drifted northwards towards New Guinea, basalt lavas were periodically forced up through weaknesses in the crust. These occured as the continent passes over the stationary hot-spot. Presently, the continent is drifting northward at a speed of 65 mm per year. Supposing the rate of continental drift to have been uniform in the past, south-east Queensland would have passed over the hot-spot around 25-23 million years ago.

(diagram coming soon)