The alleged ringleader of the riots on Palm Island in north Queensland has been granted bail at a court hearing in Townsville.

Les Wotton, 37, is charged with three counts of rioting, three counts of seriously assaulting police and unlawfully demolishing a building on November 26.

Police have alleged he was the main instigator of the riot and opposed bail, saying he was a threat to police and the community.

Queensland chief magistrate Marshall Irwin granted Wotton bail on the condition that he remains in Townsville and reports to police every day.

He has a curfew and cannot have contact with any prosecution witnesses or anyone else charged over the riot.

He will appear again in March.