Queensland Local Government Minister and Cairns MP, Desley Boyle, has resigned from her post.

Ms Boyle announced on Thursday she would retire from the frontbench. She said she would not contest the next election, which is due to be held in March 2012

“I assure the people of Cairns that I will represent their interests vigorously over the year ahead and make sure to do all I can for Cairns before this term of Government comes to an end,” Ms Boyle said.

“This is indeed how I wish to finish up my political years by concentrating on the city I love.”

Ms Boyle was elected to Parliament in 1998. Her current portfolios are Local Government and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Partnerships.

Ms Boyle was not the only Minister to resign from cabinet on Thursday. She was joined by Public Works Minister and Rockhampton MP, Robert Schwarten. He told State Parliament he would tender his resignation on Monday and would not contest the next election.

Premier Anna Bligh thanked the ministers for their service.

"Between them, Robert Schwarten and Desley Boyle have some 50 years of public service, both of them serving at the highest levels of government," she said.

Ms Bligh said the resignations provided an opportunity to reshuffle and "reenergise" cabinet for the task of rebuilding the state.

The Local Government Association of Queensland thanked Minister Boyle for her commitment to the sector.

LGAQ president Paul Bell said Ms Boyle was a "grounded and dynamic minister who was always striving to further what she saw as the sector's best interests".

"She knows what makes local government tick because of her time as deputy mayor of Cairns," Cr Bell said.

"We'll miss her drive and commitment but wish her well in her future endeavours."

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