Isaac Regional Council Mayor Anne Barker, an opponent of the plan, all but declared victory in an interview with the Daily Mercury.

“We have been working proactively for a long period of time with the state government on the impact of 100% FIFO on our communities," she reportedly said last week.

"By returning choice, the state government is supporting mining regions to grow sustainably, keep families together, and build stronger local and regional communities."

Her comments came after Deputy Premier and State Development, Infrastructure & Planning Minister Jeff Seeney clarified that the government would not support any more 100% FIFO operations since BMA’s Caval Ridge and Daunia coal mines received approval in this regard during a Central Queensland housing crisis.

The Red Hill project, which is based on developing a longwall mine east of the existing Goonyella Riverside complex while initially providing scope for a one-year life extension to the existing Broadmeadow longwall mine, could potentially provide up to 1500 local operational jobs if FIFO arrangements are rejected.

“A decision will be made shortly by the independent Queensland Coordinator General on BMA's operation at Red Hill mine,” the newspaper reported of the project’s environmental assessment progress.

Baker noted BMA’s other 100% FIFO operations had already affected coal towns in the region.

"Forced 100% FIFO practices have heavily impacted our communities,” she reportedly said.

“Our local workers and their families are unable to apply for jobs on their doorstep.”

The proposed Red Hill mine, located 20 kilometres north of Moranbah, is targeting up to 14 million tonnes per annum of high-quality hard coking coal over a 20 to 25 year life.