A 24-year-old man has been shot dead by police in the Airlie Beach party strip after he allegedly approached officers with a knife in the early hours of Saturday.
Superintendent Graeme Paine said the man drew a knife, with a four-to-five centimetre blade, in front of officers who were patrolling the area at about 12.15am.
"As a result, the officers have drawn their firearms and provided some verbal directions to the male to drop the knife.
"That male has continued to advance towards the officers. The officers … discharged a firearm, and unfortunately the male has sustained fatal injuries."
The Ethical Standards Command is investigating the shooting, with oversight from the Crime and Corruption Commission.
A crime scene has been set up.
Superintendent Paine said four or five shots were fired at the man, who worked in Townsville.
Paramedics said one round hit the man's upper body and he died at the scene.
Another bullet smashed a window of a nearby car.
The strip is a Safe Night Precinct and is also the main street of the tourist town.
The area is expected to be shut for most of the day so police can collect forensic evidence.
Superintendent Paine said police did not know if the man had been visiting bars, however, he said there were multiple witnesses and CCTV to piece together events before the shooting.
"I do want to highlight the dangers of carrying a knife at any time in a public place," he said.
"It's an offence under certain circumstances but to carry a knife in a safe night precinct, which is a dynamic place where there are people consuming alcohol and whatnot — it really does pose a significant threat to the public, including the police that are in there trying to maintain the safety of everyone.
Superintendent Paine said the man was originally from Western Australia and his family had been notified.
"It's a tragic circumstance for the family of the young man, also for the officers involved, so we're providing support," he said.
Partygoers see the incident unfold
Hannah Petrowski said she was at a bar when she heard the shots.
"When we came around the corner we saw him face down and believed he was being arrested, but then things turned and we saw CPR being completed," she said.
"Yeah it was quite scary.
"There's lots of talk on the street, lots of worries and concern about why this happened in such a public place."
Queensland Police Union President Ian Leavers said one of the officers had 13 years of experience behind him, while the other had three years of experience.
"I've spoken with both police in the early hours of this morning," he said.
"They're physically fine, but mentally this will have a severe impact upon them and that's where we have to be very cautious."
