The first public hearing of the senate inquiry into the Queensland Government is to be held on the Gold Coast on Thursday.

The witness list leans heavily on the environment and conservation side of the state government debate, with many of those called having fought the Newman government on projects that have the potential to impact on the environment.

They include the presidents of the Save Our Spit and Save Our Broadwater groups, the Stop the Gold Coast Quarry group and the Australian Rainforest Conservation Society.

The inquiry, which has a broad frame of reference looking at "certain aspects of Queensland government administration related to Commonwealth government affairs", has been labelled part of Clive Palmer's "vendetta" against the Newman government, which he famously fell out with in November 2012.

But Palmer United Party Senator Glenn Lazarus, who secured majority senate support for the inquiry in his second attempt, said he was only doing his job.

"At the end of the day, it is not about Clive, or me, or Palmer United," he said in October.

"It is about the people of Queensland wanting to come forward and give evidence and tell their story in an environment where they don't feel threatened - and that is exactly why I have done this."

Submissions to the inquiry close on November 18. The Brisbane hearing, scheduled for November 21, is expected to receive the most attention – that is when Premier Newman and key members of his Cabinet are expected to appear.

But the LNP government has taken solace in that the inquiry is also set to delve into the coal seam gas approval process initiated under the previous Labor government, which is how PUP gained Greens senators' support for the move.  Mr Newman's Ashgrove electorate rival Kate Jones is expected to be called to answer questions on that part of the inquiry, as is former premier Anna Bligh.

The Gold Coast hearing will include:

1.   Save Our Spit
      Dr Steven Gration, president
      Phil Hoile, treasurer

2.   Save Our Broadwater
      Kate Matthews, president

3.   Main Beach Bathing Pavilion
      Don Magin

4.   Gold Coast and Hinterland Environment Council
      Lois Levy, president

5.   Stop the Gold Coast Quarry
      Sam Stewart, president
      Rob Richards

6.   Keep the Scenic Rim Scenic
      Innes Larkin

7.   Australian Rainforest Conservation Society
      Dr Aila Keto, AO, president