Queensland premier Campbell Newman wants to build a $375 million highway through the state’s inland regions.

Large parts of the most commonly-used current route - the Bruce Highway – run along the coast, and in fact the highway is the main reason some towns on the route continue to survive.

But Mr Newman has a plan to create 2250 construction jobs over six years by subverting many small regional economies.

Newman says the new route will improve transport times, boost inland tourism and help flood-proof the state.

He argues that while parts of Bruce Highway will always be at risk of floods during heavy rains or cyclones, an inland route would provide a section option to keep the state open.

“There's been a lot of people sort of saying that this should be made a reality, we now have a plan and we have the funds to do that," Mr Newman said.

The current premier of Queensland also signalled that another $500 million in funding will soon be rolled out through the Royalties for Regions scheme to fund 47 projects, including the upgrade of 11 airports, roads and truck wash-down area.