The CFMEU wants to end the practice of stocking coal mines with a 100 per cent FIFO workforce.

The union convened a forum to gauge views of regional Queensland in regard to FIFO work and its impacts.

CFMEU Mining and Energy Queensland President Steve Smyth said the community called for; more job security for workers at existing FIFO operations; more choice incentive for FIFO workers to move locally; and the opening of new jobs at existing 100 per cent FIFO operations, if the practice is changed.

“Today’s forum was extremely encouraging. There’s strong consensus across the political spectrum to tackle the scourge of compulsory FIFO,” Smyth said.

Community anger in rrural Queensland over 100 per cent FIFO mines has been around for as long as the mines have.

Flying in every single staff member keeps locals out of jobs at the site, and means workers spend little to no money in small towns.

The new Queensland government mining minister, Anthony Lynham, says an official review is planned.

“We're reviewing the previous 100 per cent FIFO mines [like BHP’s Daunia and Caval Ridge] and we are also making sure we don't have 100 per cent FIFO for new mines,” Lynham said.

But Queensland Resources Council CEO Michael Roche says a transient workforce is good for jobs.

“Changing the rules under which companies have committed billions of investment dollars would be a very bad move by any government serious about attracting new investment and jobs,” Roche said.

BHP Billiton says its Daunia and Caval Ridge mines employ over 1045 people from disparate regions including Cairns, Ipswich, Logan, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Brisbane.

But the company claims the breakdown is quite progressive.

“The sites have an extremely diverse workforce, with over 200 females, 32 Indigenous and over 40 per cent who are new to the mining industry working on site,” an official statement said.

“BMA is committed to continuing to support our local communities, with the Daunia and Caval Ridge mines supported by over 200 Mackay and Moranbah-based contractors.”