FOLLOWING the failed bid by Whitsunday Regional Council to secure the Adani HQ for Bowen by gifting the mining giant land on the Bowen Esplanade, 　a back-up plan is now in the works.

Council's Economic Development Advisory Committee Chair Cr Mike Brunker and Executive Officer Economic Development Melanie Davies travelled to Brisbane last Friday for a meeting with Adani bosses.

Before this meeting council had devised a controversial plan to hand over the former coal storage area on the Bowen foreshore.

It was clear however that Adani was not going to take up the offer.

The major reason cited for the knock-back was that Adani was looking for a larger regional centre.

Cr Brunker said at the Brisbane meeting Adani promised they would nonetheless reconsider how and where they may structure their port and rail operational offices.

"We discussed Adani's requirements (and) they indicated that the initial workforce on-site 24/7 for Stage 1 (Open Pit) was more than 800 and the rail and port operations would employ a further 300 plus," Cr Brunker said.

"The meeting gave us the opportunity to pitch our region and Bowen as an option and also introduce our new economic development focus and strengthen the connections between Adani and this council.

"We provided Adani with information and the opportunity to consider locating a smaller operational office in Bowen and utilising the Whitsunday Coast Airport in Proserpine as a conduit for workers living in the Whitsunday region."

In the opinion of Proserpine local Lloyd Fox, Bowen not having an airport equipped to handle the volume and size of the aircraft needed to make it the home of the Carmichael Coal project was a stumbling point in the bid.

The council said it would be in further discussions with key Adani staff to arrange regular monthly meetings to discuss items that needed council approval or action to support the project.