A LABOR party proposal to establish a residential care centre for young people with severe mental health problems in Townsville has been welcomed as a boost for the region by Labor candidate for Whitsunday Bronwyn Taha.

According to Ms Taha, a Labor Government would establish a therapeutic residential centre for up to eight patients in Townsville, which would also act as a transitional facility for young people in North Queensland areas such as the Whitsundays, who may have to move into or out of treatment in Brisbane.

Ms Taha said these facilities would be available for patients living north of Rockhampton, which "just goes to show that Labor is listening to our regional communities and the huge toll that mental health issues can have on families, as well as the importance of having the appropriate level of care available".

"Mental health issues are just as important in the Whitsundays as (they are) in Brisbane, something Campbell Newman and Jason Costigan just don't get," she said.

"The arrogant LNP Government is focused on asset sales [and] building itself a new $2.6 billion Executive Building in the Brisbane CBD, instead of better healthcare or more jobs for Queenslanders."

Ms Taha praised the "fantastic community services in our area which tackle youth mental health issues".

"And I'm confident the dedicated workers and volunteers of these groups will embrace this announcement," she said.