ADANI'S proposed Carmichael coal mine is set to go ahead after a challenge by the Australian Conservation Foundation was dismissed in the Federal Court on Monday.

The decision prompted mixed responses, with some hailing it as a win for jobs in the region while others warned it will prove detrimental to the environment.

Whitsunday Residents Against Dumping spokeswoman Sandra Williams called on Environment Minister Josh Frydenberg to step in.

"It is ultimately the responsibility of the minister to look at the facts and do what is necessary to protect the reef and the communities that rely on it,” she said.

"Today's disappointing decision doesn't change that.”

Ms Williams said the mine would add to global warming and harm the Great Barrier Reef, damage that would outweigh the suggested benefits to employment and the economy.

"The minister has a moral choice; dirty energy that fuels global warming or clean energy that gives our reef a chance of survival,” she said.

Federal Member for Dawson George Christensen disagreed, labelling the challenge as "nothing but another frivolous round of legal action by the extreme green movement”.

"However they've lost and as a result we in central Queensland and north Queensland have won,” Mr Christensen said in a statement.

"The Federal Court win for the Australian Government and Adani (on Monday) means jobs will flow to places like Mackay, Bowen and Townsville in 2017.”

Whitsunday Mayor Andrew Willcox also welcomed the decision.

"Basically these seemingly endless rounds of challenges have the sole aim of stopping investment and jobs as part of a wider activist campaign against mining,” he said.

"(Monday's) Federal Court decision against the Australian Conservation Foundation is a win for our local businesses and most importantly, those employed and seeking future employment in the mining sector.”

Adani said construction on the mine, about 160kms north-west of Clermont should commence in 2017.