In a submission to the government, QRC CEO Michael Roche said research had shown that resident workers preferred their living arrangements because it suited their lifestyle and family circumstances.

“Across Queensland it is clear that accommodation options are important decision-making tools for employees,” he said.

“Of the more than 50 operating coal mines in Queensland, just two operate with a 100% commuting workforce and even there about 100 support roles are filled locally.”

The QRC called for the government to bring forward its Royalties For The Regions funds and focus it on host communities such as Bowen Basin mining towns.

The program is channelling a proportion of state royalties back into resource regions for community infrastructure development.

“Not everyone wants to commute,” Roche said.

“Resources companies don’t want to see employees and their families choosing that option by default because of a lack of key services in resource communities.

“This is at the heart of the QRC’s pre-budget submission to the state government.

“The Newman Government embraced the concept before the 2012 election in response to a joint submission from the QRC and Local Government Association of Queensland.”