Queensland Premier Peter Beattie says he stands by his decision to ignore Palm Island tradition of making the community council the first 'port of call' for visitors.

Mr Beattie's primary purpose for visiting the north Queensland Indigenous community was to open a new PCYC.

The island council snubbed the event and only a handful of islanders took part.

Mr Beattie says visiting the school first was the right thing to do today.

But Palm Island spokesman Brad Foster says the Premier should have met with the council first.

"The children are definitely the future of this island, but whenever any dignitaries come to Palm Island, the first port of call is going to the council office," Mr Foster said.