The project is master planned to accommodate an absolute maximum of 1500 workers should the demand arise, according to the MAC group.

The MAC project would need to be cleaned, catered, serviced and staffed, providing business and employment opportunities for locals, NSW minerals council chief executive Stephen Galilee said.

“Different regions have different housing needs and what works for one community may be different for another,” he said.

“That’s why it’s important there is a sensible discussion on this issue.

“It’s ultimately up to the Singleton community to decide what is best for Singleton, but it would be a shame if the proposed MAC project became a political football, caught up in election year rhetoric, or used by those with anti-mining views to push their agenda.”

Only months ago there were calls for urgent action to address apparent housing and labour shortages in the region, showing how quickly the demand for accommodation and labour can change, Galilee said.

“Mining is a cyclical industry that is going to be in the Hunter region for many decades to come. As we have seen in recent months, industry conditions can change quickly,” he said.

“This means mining communities must plan to meet future needs as well as for current conditions.”