Mining companies will have to employ local workers ahead of fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) staff under new laws set to be introduced in Queensland.
Mines Minister Anthony Lynham on Thursday tabled in parliament the government's response to a committee report that called for proponents to focus on local workforces first.
Dr Lynham said the government would release a "comprehensive legislative and policy package" to address the issue, but indicated it agreed with the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee's sentiments.
"Our new policy framework will ensure no 100 per cent FIFO operations in new mines where nearby regional towns have a capable workforce," he said.
"Existing operations will need to consider locals for employment."
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Resources companies will be required to actively encourage locals to work at their sites, by offering the skills development and training required to get a job, he said.
Operational staff should also be housed in existing accommodation in the community in the first instance, or at least in worker villages close to regional centres.
"This will build communities, increase opportunities for employment and allow competitive local businesses to get the maximum benefit from the projects," he said.
Procurement plans were also required to ensure local businesses were given reasonable opportunities to win contracts with large resource projects, Dr Lynham said.
But the Queensland Resources Council warned the measures could threaten investor confidence in the state.
"Many of the proposed changes flagged today would not help existing and future resource operations to compete or thrive in what is an increasingly competitive global market," chief executive Michael Roche said in a statement.
"At a time when the resources sector is facing very difficult market conditions, more red tape will heap extra costs upon resource companies, which are doing everything possible to compete globally and employ thousands of Queenslanders."
Mr Roche said the QRC was against retrospective regulatory action against existing mines.
BHP Billiton said it had achieved substantial productivity, culture and diversity outcomes due to the FIFO arrangements in the Bowen Basin.
There was a 25 per cent female and five per cent indigenous participation at BHP operations in the region, a spokesman said.
"As well as putting these achievements at risk, retrospective intervention on statutory approvals for political purposes is a serious threat to investor confidence in Queensland."
