The Belyando Shire Council initially rejected the proposed development in November 2006 on the grounds that it did not meet the requirements of Moranbah's strategic plan.

This decision was upheld by the Planning and Environment Court in December last year.

Under the plan, a settlement consisting of 2000 one-person dongas for mine workers and contractors, as well as dining and recreation facilities, would be built 20km outside of Moranbah on the Grosvenor Downs property.

Belyando Mayor Peter Freeleagus has previously expressed concern over mine workers being pressured to leave their families to live in one-man accommodation; however, there are also concerns over the mining boom pushing up housing prices.

Since 2002 the average price of a house in Moranbah has risen by more than $300,000, driving people not employed by high-paying mining companies out of the area.

This is making it more difficult for mining towns to provide basic services, including medical, education and recreational facilities.

Moranbah is not the only town experiencing these problems. The town of Emerald has experienced great population growth due to the booming coal mining industry which has put pressure on housing in the area, and a solution that is able to please everyone is yet to be found.

While one-man camps are discouraged on the grounds that they are not family friendly, investing in permanent housing is not considered the best choice, given the exhaustive nature of the coal mining industry and the need for rapid construction.

Housing and development companies are now working to implement a range of solid, comfortable homes that are quick to construct. One example is Vivendi Homes' panel system, whereby family-sized homes are constructed fast using ready-made insulated panels.

With predictions that the mining boom is set to continue into the future, it remains to be seen how towns such as Moranbah will accommodate the increasing influx of mine workers.