Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from Moreton Bay will be the first kids in Queensland to benefit from a vital new program aimed at giving them a better start to life.

The First 1000 Days Australia initiative is a partnership between the Palaszczuk Government and the University of Melbourne that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families, including during pregnancy.

State Member for Morayfield, Mark Ryan MP, has welcomed the announcement that the Moreton Bay Region would be a trial site for the program from next year.

"This program helps to lay the foundations for the future health and wellbeing of local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children by providing support from conception through to two years of age," Mr Ryan said.

"The Palaszczuk Government is investing $1.5 million over three years in this program, which will take a broader approach to addressing Indigenous disadvantage.

"A broader approach means providing comprehensive and coordinated services that address family violence, unemployment, substance misuse, mental illness and disability.

"This will be an excellent opportunity for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families to get the support they need to ensure their kids get the best possible start in life and are able to reach their full potential.

"I’m very pleased that Moreton Bay will be the first in Queensland to trial this program when it begins from early next year."

For further information, refer to Minister Fentiman’s release here: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2016/10/27/moreton-bay--townsville-first-kids-off-the-rank-for-1000-days-of-support