The Queensland Government is banning junk food promotions at government-owned sites.

In a bid to crack down on poor diets and childhood obesity, Health Minister Steven Miles says unhealthy marketing will be phased out at more than 2,000 outdoor advertising spaces, including bus stops, train stations and road corridors.

“Junk food advertisers target kids, we know that, and obesity in childhood is a leading indicator of obesity in adulthood,” Mr Miles said.

“This is about doing what we can to protect our kids from the kind of marketing that leads them to make unhealthy choices.”

The ban will cover all leased spaces owned by the State Government.

“Obesity is a real challenge for our community, for our hospitals and the health services, but also for the individuals who are suffering — this is really just a decision about the Government leading by example and saying that we will use our spaces to advertise healthier options,” Mr Miles said.

Jane Martin from the Obesity Policy Coalition says the restrictions are a win for young people.

“This is exactly the sort of action that's recommended by agencies around the world, like the World Health Organisation, to protect children from the influence of junk food marketing,” Ms Martin told the ABC.

“Young people use public transport, they're exposed to this sort of marketing, it's wallpaper in their lives.

“This is a really important step to protect children when they're on their way to school, going to meet up with friends [where] it's very difficult for parents or anyone else to intervene.”

Ms Martin called on the Federal Government to enact similar reforms in other areas of concern, including digital and television marketing, which are in the federal remit.