LOCALS are encouraged to have their say on the draft Darling Downs Regional Plan now available for public consultation.

Releasing the plan Deputy Premier Jeff Seeney said The Darling Downs was one of Queensland's most important agricultural assets, accounting for a quarter of the state's agricultural production and 5.3% of the total Queensland economy.

This plan aims to identify Priority Agricultural Areas which are strategic areas of the most regionally significant  agricultural production. Within these areas, agriculture is the priority land use," Mr Seeney said.   Any other land uses that seek to operate in those areas must co-exist with agriculture. 

Member for Warrego Howard Hobbs said the region's towns and most important agricultural land would be protected under the plan while ensuring the co-existence of the industry with resource development.

"Agriculture and resources are two of the Newman Government's four economic pillars and these areas are rich in both of these," Mr Hobbs said.

"The draft plan intends to safeguard the most productive agricultural assets through mapped Priority Agricultural Areas while ensuring the state can benefit from the abundance of coal, natural gas and other resource deposits."

To view the plan and find out how to make a submission, visit the website.

Consultation on the draft plan is open until Friday, September 20.