More than 30,000 Queenslanders would have died from COVID-19 if strict distancing laws were not introduced, Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Wednesday as she revealed the details of modelling provided to her at the start of the outbreak.

The modelling revealed tens of thousands of people would have died if the state failed to "flatten the curve".

"It is tough but we have got to comply with the laws because it is all about making sure our loved ones don't end up dying," Ms Palaszczuk said.

"I tell you what, that keeps me up at night, thinking about how I can save people's lives."