Ms Boyle was opening the Australian Local Government Women's Association State Conference in Gympie where she announced applications were now being called for two professional bursaries for women in local government.

"Women play a huge role in local government, both as elected representatives and as Council staff, and it is important to recognise their contribution towards building strong, sustainable communities," Ms Boyle said.

"The theme for the conference this year is High Heels to Hard Hats which reflects the huge diversity of positions filled by the 14,000 women working in local government in Queensland.

"From members of Council road gangs right through to CEOs, women are doing the hard yards to help ensure we have the strongest local government sector in Australia.

"This year is the Year of Women in Local Government which gives the Conference added piquancy.

"The Conference is a great opportunity for Councillors and staff to connect with their counterparts across the State and share their experiences of local government."

Ms Boyle also encouraged applications for the professional development bursaries for women currently working in local government.

"The bursaries give women the chance to pursue career and personal development opportunities to assist them in furthering their local government careers," she said.

"This is an opportunity for women to climb the career ladder and really take a hammer to the glass ceiling."

Ms Boyle said one of last year's recipients, Cook Shire Council's Business Services Coordinator Ellanna Habermann, used the funding to support her studies towards a Master of Professional Accounting and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning.

"The extra study was a win-win for both employer and employee," Ms Boyle said.

"Cook Shire Council now has more in-house expertise in several key areas where it can be difficult for regional Councils to attract and retain talent.

"For Ms Habermann, it means she can take on new responsibilities and grow her career without having to move to another Council."

Ms Boyle said applications close on September 2 2010.