The Royal Commission into the benefits of the nuclear industry is set to play a major role in the future for the resources sector in the North West, with a uranium mining ban to be re-imposed by the Queensland Labor government.

Mount Isa mayor Tony McGrady said the royal commission guided the way for the industry’s future, giving clear direction on its viability and safety.

“If it proves it is dangerous for the community, then we’ll pack our bags and go home,” he said.

“But if it proves it’s not dangerous to the community and shows the benefit to the economy, then that assists the industry going forward.”

South Australia’s royal commission into the nuclear fuel cycle will seek views  for and against nuclear power, but commissioner Kevin Scarce knows he won’t be able to please everyone.

Mr Scarce released the first discussion paper by the commission on Friday. 

It deals with the exploration, extraction and milling of material in relation to the nuclear industry.

Mr Scarce also announced an advisory panel of  experts in science, medicine and the environment but no-one with direct expertise in indigenous issues.

The commissioner said it was important for his investigation, which will present its final report to the state government in May next year, to come up with evidence-based answers to whether or not SA should expand its involvement in the nuclear industry.

That could include enrichment of uranium, storage of waste and even embracing nuclear power.

‘‘I don’t think that we will convince everybody in this process,’’ Mr Scarce said.

‘‘But what I want to do is to lay down an evidence-based trail that leads to the conclusions that we draw.

‘‘Then people will either accept that or not.’’

Mr Scarce will take his investigation on the road next week with the first in a number of community consultation meetings in Mount Gambier. 

It will also visit Aboriginal lands in the state’s north next month.

Later he will visit countries successfully using nuclear power and those where the technology has gone wrong, including Japan, which was hit by the devastating nuclear disaster at the Fukushima power plant in 2011.

He said he expected his inquiry to hear from people who were very emotional on the issue of the nuclear industry.

‘‘We can’t walk away from the fact that when there are accidents, they are catastrophic,’’ he said.

‘‘I expect there will be a lot of emotion about the risks and the impact on the environment.

‘‘But I want to encourage people to give us their views on that.’’