Extra police officers and patrol vehicles have hit the streets of Maryborough where three Queensland women were killed in a devastating car crash allegedly involving a 13-year-old boy last Sunday.
Authorities are assuring the small community, four hours north of Brisbane, that the boost in police presence is not a "flash in the pan".
Maryborough Patrol Inspector Paul Algie hopes the increased number of officers on the road could offer the public some peace of mind.
"We knew the people that were involved in this crash. It's impacting the law enforcement, the hospital community, and the broader community," he said.
"People are sad, people are concerned. They're worried about what's going on with youth crime, they're worried about the road toll — as are we.
"People can also be assured that we have the right resources on the ground to keep everyone safe."
The car crash on the outskirts of Maryborough claimed the lives of Kelsie Davies, 17, Michale Chandler, 29, and nurse Sheree Robertson, 52.
Kaylah Behrens, 23, remains in the Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital being treated for serious injuries.
A 13-year-old boy allegedly driving a stolen Mercedes-Benz is facing the Children's Court charged with three counts of dangerous driving resulting in death.
High visibility
Police say a series of planned operations are underway in Maryborough, including random drug and alcohol testing that requires officers from the wider North Coast region.
"We've got local police from across Bundaberg, Gympie, Maryborough, and Hervey Bay, but we also have police from the Moreton Police District and the Sunshine Coast," Inspector Algie said.
"They're supporting us with high-visibility traffic interception sites and also engagement in our hotspot crime areas … so people can expect to see more police where crime is occurring.
"These patrols and this high-visibility police work isn't going away.
"This isn't a flash in the pan. This is something that the community can expect to see more of in the future."
State opposition leader David Crisafulli said the crash had ignited discussions around youth justice.
"Maryborough is hurting at the moment after the tragedy of three women losing their lives," Mr Crisafulli said.
"The words that just keep coming up time and time again is 'real reform'. We want to see real reform, we want some good to come from this heartache."
