The future of mining towns remains in jeopardy unless long-term strategies are immediately developed, according to research conducted by the Institute for Sustainable Regional Development at Central Queensland University.

“If the governments don’t act now and wait until mines close, it will be too late to develop infrastructure that would allow a town to survive without the input of mining capital,” said senior lecturer Harvey Griggs.

The Institute recently presented details relating to the future of mining towns to various tiers of government in an effort to ignite discussion that would lead to new options and opportunities for people in the region.

With 30 operational coalmines in the Bowen Basin alone, Dr Griggs is concerned that continued structural changes in mining will have a significant impact on regional communities.

The inevitable outcome, according to the research, will be smaller workforces and significant increases in labour productivity.

“Local and State Governments need to build-up capital and communities need to build on this capital,” explained Dr Griggs. “These communities are currently mine-dependent so there is a need for them to generate their own capital through other means,” he added.

Alternatives for redevelopment of mining towns include new tourism opportunities, investment in new local businesses and renegotiated shiftwork arrangements.