Qld government announces plan to buy local

Queensland government departments will be encouraged to award contracts to local businesses as part of a push to secure jobs and give back to workers.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk announced the "buy Queensland" procurement policy at the state Labor conference in Townsville on Saturday.

The new strategy will give weightings of up to 30 per cent to businesses located within 125km of where work is needed.

Ms Palaszczuk said where possible, one regional and one Queensland supplier would also be invited to quote or tender for every contract.

"Preference must be given to local subbies and manufacturers on significant infrastructure projects of $100 million or more," she said.

The Australian-first policy comes into effect on September 1 and applies to all government agencies and departments.

Ms Palaszczuk said it was about recognising value for money was about more than "choosing the cheapest price".

"We are not talking about wholesale protectionism, we are talking about putting Queensland first," she said.