The University of Queensland study – funded by mining companies – on the cumulative impacts of mining revealed that mining provided more than $21 million annually in household income to the Muswellbrook shire.

The chair of the local industry working group, Anthony Bijok, said the study supported the existing practice of mining companies to give local residents priority in employment opportunities.

Mr Bijok said the study also recommended that mining companies should increase the number of apprenticeships and traineeships.

The study was managed by the Australian Coal Association Research program.

Study participants included BHP Billiton (Mt Arthur Coal), Coal & Allied (Bengalla and the Mount Pleasant project), Anglo Coal (Drayton and Dartbrook), Muswellbrook Coal and Xstrata (Mangoola Coal).

Muswellbrook Shire Council Mayor Martin Rush said the study fell short of expectations and a more comprehensive study must be undertaken.

Cr Rush pointed out the study was funded by mining companies whose central aim was to propose and test a framework and method for analysis of cumulative impacts but not to perform a comprehensive assessment of cumulative impacts.

He said the study was undertaken between 2004 and 2006 and the final report was prepared and sent for comment to mining companies, but not other stakeholders, in February 2008.

“Ten months later, after some apparent redrafting, it has been released to the public,” Cr Rush said.

“The study notes that mining does not appear to have resulted in wealth creation in Muswellbrook.

“The study found the income benefit of coal mining was not significantly flowing on to other workers in the local economy or to wealth generally.

“The report made no attempt to assess air quality, cumulative dust impacts, asthma incidence, or other environmental or health impacts.”

Visit www.acarp.com.au for a copy of the report.