Cr McLaughlin took aim at fellow councillors after Boral announced last week it would end mining operations at Berrima Colliery.

However, Cr Larry Whipper said Cr McLaghlin's comments were "a little na ve, simplistic and designed to offload the responsibilities that belong to Boral in this instance".

Cr McLaughlin said the mine's closure was a crying shame.

He said the council's withdrawal of support for the proposed expansion of mining operations in 2012, led by Cr Whipper, was a key factor in last week's decision.

"I lay the blame on the councillors who wouldn't support local jobs at the time," he said.

"I hope people remember this the next time they go to the ballot box."

In 2012, the Community Coal Reference Panel, headed by Cr Whipper, raised concerns that contaminated water from the mine was running into the Wingecarribee River, part of the Sydney catchment.

As a result, Crs Jim Clark, Ken Halstead, Juliet Arkwright and Whipper voted to overturn the council's support for the mine's expansion. Cr McLaughlin and Jim Mauger declared an interest and did not vote.

Cr Whipper said the council's change of heart was about nothing more than raising the red flag of concern.

"The final determination was assessed independently and not I or any other councillor had a part to play in that outcome," he said.

"This is a global decision, based on (Boral) maintaining dividend for stakeholders.

"I suggested Cr McLaughlin use his Labor Party contacts to look at issues and opportunities for sustainable employment, rather than attacking councillor colleagues."