Attempts yesterday by the Greens in the Senate to cap coal exports from the Hunter Valley are a serious concern to the people of Gladstone and the Central Queensland coalfields, according to Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce.

Senator Joyce expressed alarm at Greens leader Senator Bob Brown's anti-coal industry motion moved in the Senate.

The motion, which was soundly beaten, revealed the serious threat Greens' policies pose to the wealth and lifestyle of the region.

Senator Joyce called on the Labor Party not to do a preference deal with The Greens at next year's Federal Election, when Gladstone will be part of the new seat of Flynn.

"If the Labor Party is serious about looking after the people of Gladstone and Central Queensland, it would distance itself from the Greens' crazy anti-coal policies," Senator Joyce said.

"The sad reality is that Labor will probably preference the Greens in the Senate, helping an anti-coal industry Greens Senator get elected in Queensland.

"This would be disastrous, not only for the people of the newly created electorate of Flynn, but for all Queenslanders."

With the support of the Democrats, a total of seven Senators voted for Senator Brown's motion.