The survey was undertaken by mining industry representative body, Queensland Resources Council (QRC). Queensland’s central region encompasses the statistical divisions of Mackay, Fitzroy and Central West.

”On top of the $A402 million paid in royalties, our members in central Queensland also spent around $A776 million on wages and salaries and $A10 million on local rates,” said QRC chief executive Susan Johnston.

“This is a very significant contribution, as it is entirely reasonable to assume that most of the money was spent within central Queensland.”

She said the figures translated into employment, opportunities for service providers, infrastructure and flow-on benefits to the local business sector, local government and community. QRC members also made a significant contribution to the health, cultural and social amenity of their host communities.

”Our member companies spent nearly $A6.2 million in direct funding to community and indigenous programs in central Queensland, including school-based activities, sporting donations and sponsorships and others.

Money was also spent on improving the regional environment in addition to what was spent on mine-site rehabilitation.

Johnston said the industry was making real efforts to give something back, not only through royalties, but at a local level.

Figures for 2004-05 are expected to be even higher.