Smoothing the peaks and troughs : modelling housing and infrastructure for informed policy development and sustainable management of mining communities. Milestone Report Six prepared for Department of Tourism, Regional Development and Industry (DTRDI)

The results of the research tabled in this report show that the existing services and infrastructure are not adequate to ensure the long term viability and vitality of many of the Bowen Basin communities. The choice modelling analysis identifies high community values for improving health services, increasing supplies of social housing, and ensuring that longer term housing is developed rather than work camps. Analysis of the demographic groups within communities demonstrate that while older, settled residents are generally satisfied with the current level of services and development, younger and more mobile residents are looking for better and more diversified services. This suggests that for communities to prosper in the longer term and maintain populations of younger people, the level of services and infrastructure may need to be increased.