Security tight for Sir Joh's funeral

Former Queensland Premier Sir Joh Bjelke-Petersen's home town of Kingaroy is under tight security ahead of his state funeral today.

The population of the township that serves a famous peanut-growing region, 300km north of Brisbane, will likely more than double for the day.

Upwards of 15,000 visitors from around the country are expected to pay their respects to the National Party MP.

They will include Prime Minister John Howard and Queensland's Labour Premier Peter Beattie.

A protest rally will be staged in Brisbane to coincide with the funeral.