The Construction, Forestry Mining and Energy Union met with Treasurer Wayne Swan yesterday over the proposed super profits tax.

Union mining and energy division president Tony Maher said mining companies no longer helped build towns for their workers, and the government needed to step in.

While his union's support of the tax did not hinge on funding community infrastructure, it was important for the government to listen.

"We need not only ports and railways for the economic benefit of companies, we need social infrastructure for workers and their families," he said.

Mr Maher called on the government to consult more widely on the tax, including with community groups, councils and churches.

Muswellbrook mayor Martin Rush backed the calls, and said it was crucial the government got the tax "right".

"For that reason, it is time the federal government consulted with rural communities about the design of its infrastructure fund sourced from the tax," Cr Rush said.

"This tax, if appropriately put together, will enable local communities and their councils to fund the sort of social and other infrastructure, which is vital if mining projects are to be approved in rural communities into the future."

Hunter MP Joel Fitzgibbon said the government planned to share the tax's benefits through economic infrastructure investment in mining regions.

He said the New England Highway upgrade "fitted nicely into that category".

"We've funded the Hunter Expressway and upgraded the coal chain, but there is more to be done and the [profits tax]-funded infrastructure fund provides the best hope of catching up after falling so far behind during the Howard years. -with AAP