The Palaszczuk Government's plan to sell or develop land around the state for urban renewal has reignited a debate over the definition of asset sales.

Despite vowing not to privatise state-owned assets, the Government's "Advancing our cities and regions strategy" includes the disposal of vacant or under-utilised land to developers or local councils.

The proposed sites include the Townsville waterfront, parts of the Mackay and Rockhampton CBDs, and Brisbane's Cross River Rail corridor.

The Queensland Council of Unions (QCU) is not opposed to the plan, which the Premier said was common.

"Governments of both persuasions, their normal course of business transactions have involved the buying and selling of land," Annastacia Palaszczuk said.

"We are looking here primarily at precincts that will create jobs."

Shadow Treasurer Scott Emerson accused Ms Palaszczuk of hypocrisy for doing in government what she criticised in opposition.

"We had a considered, comprehensive plan to dispose of surplus land. We were honest and upfront with Queenslanders about that," Mr Emerson said.

"Annastacia Palaszczuk condemned us and said land sales were asset sales, don't do it, Labor wouldn't do it.

"She's clearly lied to Queenslanders."

Deputy Premier Jackie Trad said it was about developing land assets.

"I know it's easy and simplistic to put in terms [of asset sales] but that's not what we're doing," Ms Trad said.

She acknowledged land could be sold, "but to categorise it as an asset sale, I think as a wholesale asset sale, is a misrepresentation," she said.

The QCU general secretary Ros McLennan said the union was not opposed to the plan because they were not income-producing assets.

"As long as the monies from the sales goes back into infrastructure that generates jobs, the QCU is not opposed to the sale," she said.

The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the strategy, as has Master Builders Association deputy chief executive Paul Bidwell.

"The non-residential side of the commercial sector are languishing," Mr Bidwell said.

"Traditionally they relied on a lot of government expenditure to provide the work and that hasn't been forthcoming over the last few years.

"So that would be a boost to those builders right across Queensland."

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