A FLY-IN FLY-OUT lounge and other facilities will be a part of the upgrades to the Fraser Coast Airport terminal, but a local miner believes with the downturn in the coal industry it will be "too late".

With $525,000 provided from the previous State Government, the Fraser Coast Regional Council has called for tenders to upgrade the terminal building to create better facilities for miners.

Included in the upgrade will be a dedicated express check-in and handling facilities for charters, pre-boarding drug and alcohol tests and an onsite FIFO family community area.

Damian Huxham is currently working in a mine about 812 km from Hervey Bay, north of Moranbah.

Working a five day-on, five day-off roster, it takes Mr Huxham a full day to drive each way.

He spent $4000 on flights in May this year, but has now stopped flying due to the cost and risk, with his employment able to be terminated with only four hours notice.

"A return trip from Moranbah to Brisbane is anywhere between $500 and $1200 so FIFO is not feasible for me," he said.

"A FIFO hub is a great idea as Hervey Bay has a very high amount of mine workers residing there - sadly I believe it's a few years too late.

"With the downturn in coal the big employers mainly use employment agencies."

Mayor Gerard O'Connell said while the mining sector was on the decline, having the facilities would position the Fraser Coast well.

"FIFO probably isn't at the demand Queensland-wide as it was," he said. "To be able to have the upgrade - that's a great thing."

Mr Huxham agreed, saying the sector would eventually turn around.

"Coal will pick up again and once it does, a FIFO hub would really boost the Fraser Coast and ensure many FIFO workers get the opportunity to spent the maximum amount of time with their families," Mr Huxham said.