Learn to benefit from boom: Becker

THE resources boom could swamp Taroom, leaving the town's businesses unprepared to grab the benefits.

Banana Shire Division 6 councillor Vaughn Becker, who represents Taroom, wants to avoid that.

Cr Becker said an industry information day – organised by the Taroom District Development Association, of which Cr Becker is a member – would help Taroom deal with the resources boom set to engulf the area.

The industry day at the Taroom Town Hall on June 8, will be attended by all the mining and coal seam gas companies that have projects in the area, including Xstrata, Cockatoo Coal, Origin, QCG and Surat Basin Rail.

Cr Becker said he was concerned about complacency of some within the Taroom district towards the oncoming surge in development.

“They've been hearing about railways and dams for decades,” Cr Becker said.

“TDDA and I believe it is here now and this day will demonstrate the sheer volume of development of gas and coal.”

He said Taroom businesses could learn how to benefit from the boom and get on the front foot to become suppliers.

AgForce president Brent Finlay will speak on the impact of the resources sector on agriculture, while Queensland Resources Council director of communication Jim Devine will discuss the drivers of global resource growth and the state's outlook.

Mining community advocate Jim Pearce will speak, as will Des Boyland of the Wildlife Preservation Council.

Bill Date, of CSG Engagement, will talk on future CSG developments and government geologist Phil Ferenczi will give an overview of coal and CSG developments.

“There have been a lot of mistakes made in the resources industry,” Cr Becker said.

“There is an opportunity to learn from these mistakes.”