The analysis of the census data shows that just one in five of the nation’s FIFO and DIDO workers are from the resources sector and more than 20,000 commute to Sydney across industries including construction, public service and manufacturing.

Just 1785 people across all industries were long-distance commuting into the Hunter Valley in 2011. Of these, 392 worked in the local mining sector, which is a slight increase on 2006. About 35% commute from Sydney and 20% from regional NSW.

NSW Minerals Council chief executive Stephen Galilee said the new data debunked the myth that FIFO and DIDO was prevalent in the NSW mining industry.

“These figures clarify some of the misconceptions about mining and the movement of our Hunter workforce,” Galilee said.

“Of the 118,000 residents in the Hunter Valley, just 1785 are long-distance commuters and around 390, or a minuscule 0.02% of our mining workforce, would be classified as FIFO and DIDO workers.

“The majority of our miners in NSW raise their families in communities close to the mine operations where they work. Long-distance commuting in our industry is the exception, not the rule.”

About 200,000 people across all industries are long-distance commuting nationally. A total of 64,056 people long-distance commuted to Australia’s capitals, with this overall total including more than 28,000 construction workers, about 14,000 public servants, more than 15,000 manufacturing industry employees and 13,000 healthcare workers.

“It is important that we have a flexible and mobile workforce in a modern and progressive economy,” Galilee said.

“This data shows that many industries hold this view and benefit from a mix of employment arrangements that suit employers and employees.”