Attitudes about social and environmental impacts of coal mining in the Central Queensland towns of Mackay and Nebo

The coal mining industry makes a major contribution to the Queensland economy. The mining activities are located in regional areas, employ a sizeable workforce in some communities, and pay relatively high wages. As a consequence, the economic impacts of mining are very important in many regional communities. However, the development of new mines is often associated with some social impacts and change, together with environmental impacts The planning and approval processes for new mines are focused on maximising the economic, social and environmental benefits that may be achieved, while minimising potential negative impacts. As well, population and industry dynamics means that demographic and social changes may occur in population centres that support mining enterprises. To gain a better appreciation about how affected communities view the social and environmental impacts of mining activities, the population of two different communities have been surveyed. One was a very small rural-based community that has recently become more of a service centre for mining, while the other is a regional city that has been an important support base for mining in recent decades. The results of the survey demonstrate that there is general support for mining activities, but some concerns exist in the small rural-based township about the social impacts that mining might bring.