Police allege boy, 13, charged with extremist offences had 'attack plan' on devices

A 13-year-old Queensland boy charged over allegedly preparing to carry out an attack at a local school had disappeared from the state's education system prior to being arrested by police.

The boy was expected to appear in the Hervey Bay Children's Court today, but this could not be facilitated in person or via video link. 

The boy has been charged with one count each of preparation or planning to cause death or grievous bodily harm and possessing or controlling violent extremist material obtained or accessed using a carriage of service.

A bail application for the boy was adjourned until later this month.

Police on Friday alleged the boy had items on his devices that could be "an attack plan" and would not rule out further charges.

Investigators alleged Albert State School in Maryborough was a potential target of the boy.

Defence Barrister Clem van der Weegen told the court on Friday that his client wanted to appear in court in person.

Mr van der Weegen said he spoke with his client's doctor, who said the teen would not be discharged from hospital until he was "at no risk to himself or others", which was likely to be next week.

Magistrate John Milburn ordered that the matter be transferred to Maryborough Children's Court on Wednesday, June 17, and that the full brief of evidence be provided by July 24.

Education Queensland said in a statement that the 13-year-old did not have a current enrolment at a Queensland state school.

"The department is deeply concerned about this matter and has commenced a thorough review into all relevant systems and processes to understand if and when earlier interventions could have been put in place," the spokesperson said.

"Any findings or recommendations from the review will be carefully considered and actioned swiftly."

The teenager was first arrested on May 28 after police were called to a service station on Saltwater Creek Road in Maryborough to reports that a person with a knife was threatening staff.

He was taken into custody, dealt with under the Youth Justice Act, and released.

Following further investigations, counter terrorism detectives searched a Maryborough home on Saturday and seized several electronic devices.

The boy was then charged with two violent extremist offences.

Police allege 'attack plan' found

After the court mention on Friday, police said the investigation was ongoing and that they couldn't rule out further charges.

"At this time, we are continuing to review these devices, with a view to identify any ideology that may be involved to motivate this offence," Acting Detective Superintendent Jason Hindmarsh said.

"We have identified documents on the devices that you could refer to as an attack plan." 

Superintendent Anne Vogler said people were feeling uncomfortable and unsafe.

"We think that this is the type of offence that doesn't occur in our backyard, but it has," she said.

Superintendent Vogler said she wanted to reassure the community that there was no ongoing threat.