Local unions are angry towards Premier Anna Bligh for pushing for a sell-off of State Government assets, which includes the Queensland Rail's coal network.

Rail Tram and Bus Union (RTBU) spokesperson Craig Allen said today that Ms. Bligh should reconsider the proposal.

"You would like to think so - 80 per cent of Queenslanders are still opposed to the sale of public assets," he said.

In her defense, Ms. Bligh explains that privatization is needed so money may be disbursed in other projects.

"If you're effectively subsidising Rio Tinto and BHP that will limit the ability of any government to deliver services," she said.

Ms. Bligh also explained the need for the Queensland Rail to hire 120 new apprentices due to the increased demand for coal to be moved on the rail network.

The Queensland Opposition have said that employment may not be guaranteed because of the planned sell-off of the rail, but Ms. Bligh said employment will not be affective.

“You don't take on 120 apprentices and offer them a four-year trade opportunity without having a lot of work for them to do,” she defended.

“They're stretching to 120 because they know they've got coal demand increasing next year, the year after, and the year after that.”

Ms Bligh says Queensland's coal exports are expected to double within 15 years.

Meanwhile, Mayor Brad Carter of Rockhampton suggests that State Government should hear out the concerns by the community.

"It's an issue the Government must consider in terms of how these guys feel about it, so I think having a peaceful protest like this is all about democracy in Australia."