Residents from Kingaroy in Queensland have launched a competition to show the rest of Australia what could be lost if a new coal mine is given the green light.

The Kingaroy Concerned Citizens' Group started the photography competition to drum up opposition to the Kingaroy Coal Mine, proposed by Moreton Resources.

Spokesman John Dalton said the competition was a different kind of protest and was meant to showcase the area.

"We wanted to do something that was being creative, that was positive, and that at the end we've got something that we can put into a book and preserve for future generations," he said.

John Dalton is part of a group of residents opposing a proposed mine in the region. ( ABC News: Jonathan Hair )

The development is yet to be set in stone as its proponents are still working on an Environmental Impact Statement, which will be submitted for approval to the Queensland Government.

The competition asks creative types to go to the proposed mine site and capture its beauty.

Cash prizes are on offer and Mr Dalton says there's already been interest from all around the country.

"We've got a view here that extends all the way to the Bunya mountains, it's very close to Kingaroy," Mr Dalton said.

"There are a lot of people very allergic to the fact that it could be replaced by a big black and white heap of coal."

Beautiful nature pictures 'an addiction'

Kingaroy is about 200 kilometres north-west of Brisbane. ( ABC News: Jonathan Hair )

The competition is being supported by renowned wildlife photographer Steve Parish.

He has agreed to run free workshops for locals and says being creative can help lift people's spirits as they struggle for their land.

"Making beautiful pictures of nature is really an addictive, fun activity," Mr Parish said.

"It does step you out of a … I call it a 'poor little me story'.

"It does help you step out of that story, into something more positive."

Farmers on board with mine protest

Damien O'Sullivan says the natural beauty of the region shouldn't be tainted. ( ABC News: Jonathan Hair )

Damien O'Sullivan runs a beef farm which would be swallowed by the mine's borders.

He said the area's rich soil made it perfect for running cattle and growing crops.

He is behind the competition, and is one of a number of farmers running open days for people who want to visit the proposed site so they can shoot their entries.

"I think it's a really good means of showcasing the local area, we've got lots of visitors that have come from other districts and Brisbane," he said.

"They come and look at the local area and are just really flabbergasted that there should be any suggestion of a coal mine in an area such as this.

"A lot of people just don't realise the natural beauty of the local area."

The competition's winners will be announced in October.

Moreton Resources did not respond to an ABC request for comment.