Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has drawn on the words of former US president Lyndon Baines Johnson in describing the challenges facing Queensland today.
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Ms Palaszczuk said LBJ's presidency was a controversial one, but it was also transformational for the US.
She said Mr Johnson's Great Society reforms in the area of civil rights, healthcare, education, urban planning and poverty were trail blazing.
Ms Palaszczuk then quoted Mr Johnson: "Will you join in the battle to build the Great Society, to prove that our material progress is only the foundation on which we will build a richer life of mind and spirit?
"There are those timid souls that say this battle cannot be won; that we are condemned to a soulless wealth. I do not agree. We have the power to shape the civilisation that we want. But we need your will and your labour and your hearts, if we are to build that kind of society."
Ms Palaszczuk said that call was as relevant to Queensland now as it was to the people of the US then.
"For my government, the restoration of hope and opportunity for Queensland drives us in everything we do," she said.
"There are immense challenges for Queensland, but there are enormous opportunities."
Mr Johnson made the speech in May 1964 to promote his proposed domestic agenda, but by 1967 his popularity had dipped as US troops continued to fight in the Vietnam War.
In 1964, LBJ also signed the Civil Rights Act into law, abolishing racial segregation, and announced a "war on poverty".
Ms Palaszczuk made the comments in a State of the State address at a CEDA lunch in Townsville on Thursday.
She said 50 years ago this month, the attention of Mr Johnson was on Townsville as he made a return trip to the city.
The Ipswich CBD has also been targeted, with the Queensland government to work with council and industry to identify potential projects in the city.
Ms Palaszczuk also said no one should doubt the resolve of her government to ensure the development of the Galilee Basin.
"As my Mines Minister is fond of saying, everyone deserves their day in court, but not four years in court," she said.
"I was very pleased to hear Adani say publicly they expect to begin construction next year and I think that's testament to the work that's been done by the company and by the government."
Ms Palaszczuk announced Powerlink would embark on a $9 million project that would involve replacing 100km of earth wire from Townsville to its substation near Tully, and refitting 18 transmission towers on the transmission line to Kareeya Substation.
The works will support more than 23 jobs and extend the technical life of the transmission line to the Kareeya Substation for another 15 years.
