Minister Steve Minnikin flew into Mount Isa on Tuesday April 9 before travelling east to consult with council staff and mayors about their concerns of transport in the region.

Mr Minnikin said most councils were concerned about the Audit Report tabled in parliament in 2018 showing the underspend of roadworks in North Queensland.

"This audit report is quite damning on the Palaszczuk Labor Government, they need to keep the pace with the existing highways and railways, particularly up here in North Queensland," he said.

"About two years ago there was about $3.7 billion underspend, which I don't doubt would be up to $4 billion by now."

Mr Minnikin said it was of critical importance to maintain these roads for industries that rely on them.

"If you have a road network that is crumbling at the seems, it has a direct impact on commerce," he said.

"Throughout north Queensland the roadway system are the economic arteries of the whole state, so if you can't get to market it has a direct bearing on jobs and local industry.

"Therefore I am urging the minister and premier to get real with the road fail and start making sure that adequate allocations are set aside to make sure the existing road network is up to speed."

Mount Isa City Council mayor Joyce McCulloch met with Mr Minnikin and said discussed the state of the region's roads, Local Government voting reforms, the Waste Levy, and electricity prices.

Cr McCulloch said improving the condition of roads would support the untapped tourism potential of regional and remote areas.

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