Queensland Premier Campbell Newman has announced an early state election for January 31. 

Mr Newman today requested writs for the election be issued by Queensland acting governor Tim Carmody. 

The move comes as a surprise as the election was expected by most to be held in March. 

Queenslanders have until January 10 (Saturday) to ensure their are enrolled to vote. 

Mr Newman's Liberal National Party swept Anna Bligh's Labor Party from power in the landslide 2012 elections but his popularity has suffered since recently. 

Severe cuts to the public sector and heavy crackdowns on criminal motorcycle gangs have not been well-received by the Queensland electorate, with polling showing that the LNP and Labor are now practically even in popularity. 

In a press release today Mr Newman urged Queensland voters to keep the LNP in power, saying the party needed more time to implement its economic reforms.