A new non-Labor party in Queensland would have the best chance of unseating the Bligh government, Opposition Leader Lawrence Springborg said today.
The state Liberal Party announced it would forge ahead with plans proposed by Mr Springborg to form a new conservative force in Queensland, pending a plebiscite of members in coming weeks.
Nationals members have already thrown their support behind the proposal, with a recent ballot showing 97 per cent of members backed the idea.
If all goes according to plan, Mr Springborg will lead the new party - to be called the Liberal National Party of Queensland - to the next state election, due by September next year.
"I think this puts us in the best position to achieve a change of government for the people of Queensland," Mr Springborg told AAP.
"I am never going to count my chickens before they hatch, but it puts us in a strong position to give Queenslanders the alternative they not only demand, but they also deserve."
The Labor government has ruled continuously in Queensland for the last decade, initially under former premier Peter Beattie before incumbent Anna Bligh took over.
Mr Springborg, who has long championed the idea of a merger, said the proposal was overwhelmingly supported by Queenslanders and hoped he it would be duplicated federally.
"I certainly hope that it will be duplicated federally," Mr Springborg said.
"This is about rebirthing non-Labor politics in Australia."
He called on critics, who include Liberal frontbencher Senator George Brandis, to support the plan.
"Queenslanders are demanding this because they want better government," Mr Springborg said.
"I just say to the last few who might think they can get in the road, please just listen to what Queenslanders are saying and start to look at what is in the better interests of the state."