Assessing development options in mining communities using stated preference techniques

In this paper, two key insights are generated about community development options using stated preference techniques. Surveys were conducted to identify how residents of a mining town in central Queensland, Australia, viewed options for the development of their township. First, residents were asked in a Choice Modelling experiment how worthwhile it would be to achieve some more attractive development options if it came at a cost to them. Second, residents were asked in a Choice Behaviour experiment how the different development options might influence their decision to stay or shift from the town in the future. The same development options were used in both experiments to facilitate comparisons between the two assessment forms.

► Choice modelling and Choice behaviour: better insights on development options choices. ► The extent of workcamps in town was the most significant predictor of choice. ► Respondents would leave the town earlier if the number of workcamps is to increase. ► Water restrictions in town attribute was the least important predictor of choice. ► Changes in the Buffer for Mine Impacts influenced respondents choices.