UPDATE 10am: RECENT storms and heavy rains are believed to have unearthed a skull and other bone fragments on the banks of the Pioneer River.

Reports this morning suggest the bones were found on the site of an indigenous burial ground.

ABC has reported police were attempting to speak with indigenous elders today to determine the origin of the bones.

However, Queensland Police Service were unable to confirm the reports.

EARLIER: FORENSIC tests will determine the origins of a skull and other bone fragments which were found partially buried on the banks of the Pioneer River.

Officers from the Mackay Criminal Investigation Branch, forensic teams, ­general duties police and ­forensic crash team spent the weekend recovering the bones from the riverbank.

The remains were found about 2.30pm on Friday but crews began excavation ­efforts on Saturday after "failing light" and a "lack of suitable equipment" stopped officers removing the ­remains without damaging them, a police spokeswoman said.

Mackay Police District Duty Officer Senior Sergeant Mark Sweetnam said the skull fragments "appeared" human but police were waiting for confirmation from a forensic expert in Brisbane.

Sen-Sgt Sweetnam said the CIB had begun investigating how the bones got there.

He said police could not confirm if they would look at missing persons cases until the bones were examined.

"We can find out how old they are and there might not be any need for further investigation," he said.

Police are expected to release more information on the find today.

READ MORE: Skull among bones found on Pioneer River bank