Premier Anna Bligh said the move was "a massive step forward for the Government's Q2 target for a greener Queensland".

"Townsville will have a unique National Park just 20 minutes drive from Dairy Farmers Stadium and just half an hour from the Townsville CBD," she said.

"Importantly it will be another attraction for tourists to the region.

"In time it will have the infrastructure and amenities of a National Park."

Natural Resources Minister Craig Wallace said the move followed a land study that recommended the State land between Hervey’s Range Road and the Pinnacles be protected.

"The final report recommends that 4,971 hectares of Unallocated State land be declared a National Park because of its significant conservation and scenic values," he said.

Minister Wallace said that there would be significant environmental benefits for the local vegetation and wildlife.

"In terms of bio-diversity, the endangered Black-throated Finch and other important species such as the Single-striped Delma, the Masked Owl, Echidna and Peregrine Falcon are found in this area," Mr Wallace said.

"Gazetting it a National Park – which will happen in the first quarter of next year - will provide a wildlife corridor and allow habitat protection for these species.

"A National Park will also provide for the protection of a number of Regionally Significant Ecosystems, particularly those associated with our local rivers, and contribute to the protection and enhancement of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park."