Queensland councils have put their foot down on the issue of State support for resource impacted regions.

At the Local Government Association of Queensland's annual conference in Mackay this week, delegates voted to keep State Government hands off the Royalties for the Regions funding program.

Recent changes to its structure by the Newman Government mean Royalties for the Regions money can now be accessed by state government bodies.

LGAQ President Cr Margaret de Wit said that councils rejected the watered down version.

“We're sending a clear message to the State that councils support a program which supports those impacted by resource sector development,” she said.

“We require long term certainty that funding will be guaranteed to councils who are dealing with massive additional strain on existing infrastructure and services.”

The State Government’s moves to take a slice of Royalties for the Regions had been the subject of two separate motions at the LGAQ meeting.

But during the debate, Townsville Mayor Jenny Hill urged delegates to form a united front on the issue, leading the Mount Isa and Cloncurry councils to present a merged solution, which was passed to general applause.