FOR Greens candidate Jonathan Dykyj, an improved Dawson electorate would see a stronger, environmentally friendly jobs market.

"We plan to do that through investment in renewable energy and capitalising on the good manufacturing and engineering base that we have," he said.

Mr Dykyj said this would mean having skilled workers currently employed in the mining sector stay "in their community, just doing slightly different work".

"But also making sure that the natural environment aspects are enhanced," he said.

Therefore, Mr Dykyj said he would not be supporting the proposed Abbot Point expansion.

"In terms of the port, it's operating under capacity at the moment so why it needs to be expanded is beyond me," he said.

Mr Dykyj said turning the Collinsville Power Station into a solar power plant was one option.

"So there's opportunities there," he said.

"And obviously the farming and horticulture sector around Bowen and even Airlie Beach and supporting things like the great Whitsunday food network."

Our single most valuable asset, the Great Barrier Reef, is also high on Mr Dykyj's list of priorities.

"That links back to moving away from coal, transitioning our economy away from reliance on fossil fuels," he said.

"Both major parties might talk about reef protection, but look at their actions like approving the Adani coal mine.

"You've also got to look at the fact that both get lots of donations from fossil fuel companies, mills and particularly from Adani; so people can draw their own conclusions."

The Greens candidate said it was about more than just protecting the environment, as the reef supports a large tourism industry in the Whitsundays.