FIFO for now, but not in future: report

Resource proponents should be allowed to continue to use fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) workers on current projects for the sake of the economy, despite vocal opposition from the regional towns where the work takes place.

But on new projects, FIFO should be used only as a last resort when local workers cannot be found.

These are some of the findings from an independent review panel that reported back to the Queensland government about FIFO projects, particularly in the state's resource rich Bowen Basin.

Panel chairman Leo Zussino says that of the 41 coal mining operations in the region, 13 used more than 90 per cent "non-residential workers" in 2014, while 10 more operated with between 70 per cent and 90 per cent.

"Many resource community stakeholders have expressed concern that the increased use of non-residential, fly-in, fly-out operational personnel by resource companies is having a detrimental economic impact on their communities," he said.

But Mr Zussino said the panel would not support changes to current projects.

The government had "limited legal and legislative options" to alter existing approvals anyway, he said.

One of the report's eight recommendations did suggest the government should put conditions on new resource activities, making them come up with workforce, procurement and accommodation plans.

The workforce plan will ensure proponents are encouraged to hire locals ahead of FIFO workers.

"(Proponents should develop) a robust and sustainable commitment to hiring and training personnel from resource communities first, followed by nearby regional communities and then from within the state of Queensland and beyond," the report read.

The opposition has criticised the government for making the report - which was completed in July - public only on Thursday.

"A Parliamentary Committee Inquiry was also set up to conduct a FIFO review but the members of the Infrastructure, Planning and Natural Resources Committee were not granted access to this independent review," an opposition statement read.

A spokesman for Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the government would refer the report to the committee, which would consider the recommendations in due course.