A nurse has been charged with murdering her young daughter west of Brisbane, amid revelations the Department of Child Safety was previously notified about matters relating to the family.

Detectives have charged a mother with murdering her young daughter after a drowning death, amid revelations the Department of Child Safety was previously notified about matters relating to the family.

Jessie Renee Phillips, a 31-year-old nurse, had her matter heard at Ipswich Magistrates Court on Tuesday morning after she was charged with murdering her four-year-old girl Cleo Rose Catterall.

Forensic police at the Lowood property. Picture: Liam Kidston

It comes after police say emergency services were called to a residence at Lowood about 11.10pm on Monday.

The young girl was unresponsive and police and paramedics couldn’t revive the girl despite their efforts.

No plea was heard in court on Tuesday and Ms Phillips was remanded in custody until June 16 where her appearance will not be required.

Police on scene at the home in Lowood, west of Brisbane. Picture: Liam Kidston

Detective Inspector Michael Manago said the woman was the only adult present at the house at the time Monday night. He said the woman called emergency services.

Insp Manago said police were still creating a timeline of the tragedy, when he was asked how long it took the woman to call for help.

He wouldn’t speculate on the cause of death or comment on any injuries to the child.

“A post mortem examination will be conducted in the near future to establish greater clarity around how the child died,” he said.

“This is an incredibly tragic situation.”

A heavy police presence was on scene Tuesday. Picture: Liam Kidston

The Courier-Mail understands the Department of Child Safety has been notified about matters relating to the family previously.

A spokeswoman for the department on Tuesday said the Child Protection Act prevented the department from commenting on individual cases.

“As the matter is being investigated by the police, it would be inappropriate comment further,” the spokeswoman said.

Neighbour Chris Forsyth said he was in his garage and heard screams from the house opposite his.

“I was just working on my car and I heard screaming from outside. Didn’t think much of it at the time,” Mr Forsyth said.

“I saw my security cameras later where several cops cars started flying in late last night.

“The next minute the whole family just started pouring out the house (with police).”

Forensic police at a Lowood home where a child was found dead on Monday night. Picture: Liam Kidston

Another neighbour Peter Atkinson said he was distraught when he heard what had happened.

“Honestly, I was crying,” Mr Atkinson said.

“I did get emotional. I didn’t know them but it’s still a child.”

“Really, you wouldn’t expect this in Lowood.”

Lowood resident Peter Atkinson outside his home.

Insp Manago would not say if the woman and family were known to police or other organisations.

The house remains a crime scene.

Premier David Crisafulli sent his condolences to the family of the girl.

“My reaction is one of deep sorrow, and it’s just so deeply troubling, and I want to see a full and thorough investigation,” he said.

Security footage of police arriving at a Lowood address where a child was found unresponsive. Picture Supplied

The Premier said he would receive a briefing about whether the family was known to child safety.

“I think that community and the state will grieve at that, and they will feel that very deeply, and the investigation should be thorough, and all of those things should be looked at,” he said.

When asked about matters relating to the Child Safety Department, Police minister Dan Purdie said: “The history leading up to that offence is something that will be investigated by police.”