The Queensland government must make sure Adani’s proposed Carmichael mine delivers jobs and economic benefit to regional Queensland, Construction Forestry Mining and Energy Union Queensland president Stephen Smyth said.

Adani CEO Jeyakumar Janakaraj’s insistence that the mine must be 100% FIFO was “arrogant”, he said.

“Adani seems to think they can open a mine and dictate all the conditions,” Smyth said.

“It’s up to the Queensland government, through the EIS approval process, to make sure the people of regional Queensland benefit from this project.

“We understand the site is remote and commuting options need to be considered.

“However investment in long-term housing on the site shouldn’t be dismissed out of hand. Commuting arrangements must prioritise regional hubs so that our centres like Mackay and Townsville and Rockhampton have access to jobs.”

There must also be requirements for Adani to invest in local training and engage with locally-based services, Smyth said.

“This project must deliver for Queensland and especially regional Queensland – not just Adani’s bottom line. Otherwise, what’s the point?”

The CFMEU has made a submission to the Queensland government’s Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee’s Inquiry into FIFO and other long-distance commuting practices in regional Queensland, calling for an end to existing 100% FIFO work practices in central Queensland.