Both regions are shaping up as hot spots for change, with both government detractors hoping its low satisfaction levels will translate into a wipeout in both centres in next year's poll.

Labor has attempted to capitalise on the anti-government sentiment by concentrating time and resources in both regions and plans to mount strong challenges against the incumbent LNP MPs. This time, history could be on its side, with voters in both regions having previously proven more than once they are not afraid to swing.

But the state's unions are also preparing to do their bit to make life more difficult for the government, by targeting regions with a "put the LNP last and fill in every square" campaign.

"That is what we will be asking people to do," Queensland Council of Unions President John Battams said.

"The government has been dishonest with the people of Queensland.  They promised the world and they haven't delivered.  They have been bad for the economy – the latest CommSec report put Queensland as only the fifth strongest economy in Australia and unemployment is at record high levels.

"So what we are saying is make your own choice among the other candidates, but make sure you put the LNP last."

Mr Battams said the QCU would focus on Cairns, Townsville, central and south Brisbane and Logan.

"Asset sales is going to be a major issue, but it's also about jobs, education and health."

Electrical Trades Union secretary Peter Simpson said the Not 4 Sale campaign, which involved several unions would also be upping its fight.

"There is just saturation bombing by the government at the moment. We can't match that, but what we have on our side is experience, we have the South Australian experience to show people and that is what we will be doing," he said.

"The government may have changed how it talks about asset sales, claiming that it is just leasing, but a 99-year lease is privatisation. It is exactly the same thing.

"We've been saying to put the LNP last for a while. We'll be telling people to fill out every square, but to put the LNP last. And we'll definitely be concentrating on northern Queensland and Brisbane. Central Queensland if our resources stretch, but definitely north Queensland and Brisbane."

But the government has warned voters not to fall for the union and Labor campaign.

It is sticking to the line it has listened to the community and has backed away from asset sales, in favour of long-term leases it says will keep Queenslanders in control of the asset.

Speaking in Townsville on Tuesday, where he was making a health announcement, Premier Campbell Newman said the government could say how it planned to move the state forward, while the Opposition could not.

"Today I'm here in Townsville. Of course Townsville and the north and the far north for that matter will receive their fair share of any proceeds from the lease of assets," he said.

"So I make that commitment toda...and these folk with me today are strong advocates for north Queensland...and prior to the election not only will you hear how we will fund the infrastructure of the future and create 25,000 new jobs.

"You'll also hear about the projects that we'll be undertaking in certain communities.

"...We can tell you how we're going to fund things. The Australian Labor Party cannot do that. The leader of the Opposition cannot do that. Curtis Pitt, the Shadow Treasurer, has been unable to present, despite many opportunities for him to do so, he's been unable to present a financial plan for the future.

"He can't keep denying Labor's $80,000 million worth of debt. He can't keep denying that the interest payments are costing Queenslanders $470,000 an hour.

"This side of politics, my team and I, are making strong, courageous, important decisions that will see north Queensland and the whole state go forward and we will be talking about the infrastructure we deliver if we're given a mandate and undertake the leasing of assets."

The election is expected to be held early next year.