Former MP Neil Turner dies aged 77

Former Queensland cabinet minister and speaker of State Parliament Neil Turner has died, aged 77.

The former National Party MP served combined terms of more than 20 years in Parliament, representing the seats of Warrego and Nicklin.

He held the portfolios of Transport and Primary Industries under Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen.

The current Member for Warrego, Howard Hobbs, says the state has lost a great man.

"I extend my deepest sympathy to Mr Turner's family and friends, many of who are constituents of my electorate," he said.

"Neil was an extremely hard-working member of Parliament and one of the finest speakers the Queensland Parliament has known in recent times.

"Regularly constituents come to me expressing their fond memories and stories of Neil Turner."

Mr Hobbs says Mr Turner was the first conservative member to win the seat of Warrego, which Labor had held since Federation.

"Many of the schools and hospitals throughout Warrego were renewed or upgraded during his term in office," he said.

"Throughout the south-west, Neil Turner will be fondly remembered and respected by many."

Neil Turner was born at Charleville in 1934.