LNP promises small business help

LNP leader Campbell Newman has thrown his support behind small business during a visit to Bargara today, saying Queensland cannot base its economic health on mining alone.

Mr Newman promises to get a "better deal" for small business if his party were elected, through focusing on training and measures to improve the economy generally.

"Small business will prosper if the overall economy is going well," he said.

"Sadly, this government doesn't care about small business."

Mr Newman said a focus on agricultural training and working to boost tourism would also have a flow-on effect for unemployment, which he had pledged to get down to 4% statewide.

He said there would also be a focus on keeping skilled workers in the region by focusing on agriculture, tourism and construction, and not just mining.

"We will be doing the training of people they need in those industries," he said.

"The one thing that really gets up the nose of people in business is the way the state government is actively poaching people in those businesses."

Mr Newman repeated the LNP's promise to reduce red tape for businesses.

"We are also going to be dealing with reducing all the extra regulations - things that don't make sense," he said.

As part of the visit, Mr Newman also stopped by Bargara fish and chip shop Bradlees to speak to its owners and try some Bundaberg Ginger Beer.

Mr Newman's visit came the same day as Premier Anna Bligh was in Townsville participating in a campaign "debate".

"He's running scared and won't come and talk with me, and the people of Townsville about what matters," she said.

"Campbell Newman's decision not to come here ... smacks of the worst kind of arrogance."