In late 2006, the directors-general from the departments of Communities, Mines and Energy, Education, Local Government, Housing, State Development and Main Roads, and Natural Resources and Water made the trip to the coal mining towns of Moura, Blackwater, Emerald, Dysart and Moranbah.

After the initial meetings, the feedback was found to be consistent across all five shires, with the main issues being a severe shortage of housing and affordable accommodation as well as a lack of infrastructure and support services.

Queensland Premier Peter Beattie said the follow-up meetings were held so that departmental heads could report back on progress of the actions arising from last year's Central Queensland trip.

“The range of issues affecting the area – from accommodation standards for mining industry workers to the increased release of land for purchase, to accelerated regional planning in the region, to water requirements of mining communities – requires a partnership approach between different levels of government and the industry,” he said.

Belyando Shire Mayor Peter Freeleagus told ABC Online that there has been good progress.

"It's quite obvious that even though it's been five months or so the DGs have done a fair amount of work, they've come back with a lot of answers," Freeleagus said.

"We've still got some more questions, but fairly positive today and we've still got some more roads to work.

"I would say probably in another, round about August, we should have a final outcome for a lot of the things that we're requesting."

Beattie said the Government will continue to work with the affected local councils to assist them in addressing the challenges they face as a result of rapid growth.