Mine project threatens community

WARATAH Coal's China First project would cut Queensland of 3000 jobs, $1.2 billion in manufacturing activity, raise inflation and slam small and medium businesses with higher payroll and rent bills, The Australia Institute said.

Detailed in the EIS submitted to DEEDI, the institute's Dr Richard Denniss said the proposed mine west of Alpha was so large it would drive up the exchange rate and wages but drive down employment across the rest of the state.

"The China First mine is a perfect example of how the expansion of the mining industry means the contraction of the agriculture industry, the contraction of the tourism industry and the contraction of the manufacturing industry," Dr Denniss said.

Manufacturing, agriculture and tourism jobs will be the biggest losers, and the mine would less evenly distribute wealth. "When the proponent's own economic modelling shows that in addition to hurting local agriculture the mine would mean 3000 jobs are lost primarily in other parts of Queensland, you really have to wonder why it should go ahead," Dr Denniss said.