THE Gold Coast ticks all the boxes to be a hub for fly-in fly-out mine workers, according to BHP Billiton Mitsubishi Alliance.

BMA asset president Steven Dumble said several cities in Queensland, including Cairns, were courting the company but the Coast was a front runner.

Mr Dumble said any proposal for a fly-in fly-out base would be measured against three criteria: available air transport infrastructure, community support and available workers.

Given the city's high unemployment rate of 8.1 per cent, there is little doubt many Gold Coasters would be willing to work in the mines.

Lucy Ardern

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