Qld treasurer won't commit to surplus

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt has refused to commit to an operating surplus in next week's state budget, flagging a federal funding shortfall.

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt won't commit to achieving an operating surplus in the state budget. (AAP)

Queensland Treasurer Curtis Pitt won't commit to achieving an operating surplus in next week's state budget.

Last year's economic blueprint was predicted to achieve a $962 million operating surplus in 2014/15, rising to $1.2 billion in 2015/16.

December's Mid-Year Fiscal and Economic Review (MYFER) in December also flagged an operating surplus.

But when asked whether that would carry on to next Tuesday's budget, Mr Pitt dodged the question.

He instead spoke about the federal government's decision to withhold about $1.2 billion in disaster recovery funding from Queensland.

Mr Pitt said councils had already spent money on infrastructure supposed to be funded by Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements payments expected to be paid to the state.

"Natural disasters are something Queensland must always contend with, but it doesn't help when you've got the federal government taking money out at a budget and leaving no notice whatsoever in the process," he said.

When asked whether that meant there wouldn't be a surplus, Mr Pitt replied: "I'm not saying we're abandoning the surplus.

"I'm saying you'll have to wait until next Tuesday's budget."

Meanwhile, Mr Pitt has blamed the mining downturn for a $3 billion write-down in revenue in the upcoming budget.

He said the revenue black hole included a $2.7 billion drop in royalties and $350 million less in state taxes than expected at MYFER.

The write-downs since last year's budget meant expected revenue over the four years to 2018/19 was estimated to be down $4.7 billion.

"They are largely the result of low world prices for our export resources and the tailing off of major upfront investment in the mining sector," the treasurer said.

Mr Pitt said the government was committed to its election promise of no new taxes, fees and charges, but confirmed taxes across the board would increase by 3.5 per cent in line with the former government's indexation policy.

Nevertheless, Mr Pitt insisted Queenslanders would be better off than those living in other states, given they would pay $2697 each in state taxes - $766 less than the average for other states and territories.

"This is good news for Queensland taxpayers and for Queensland businesses," he said.