The head of Queensland police's counter terrorism command has admitted the organisation can not always stop London-inspired terrorists using vehicles as weapons, but assured the Commonwealth Games would be safe.

Assistant Commissioner Tracy Linford said the Queensland Police Service was instead working with councils and event organisers to protect large gatherings such as next year's Gold Coast Games, while helping to develop national strategies.

Temporary security barriers protect Brisbane's King George Square from an attack similar to the one in London. Credit:Cameron Atfield

Speaking to ABC Radio Brisbane on Monday morning in the wake of a terror attack in London that killed seven people, she said a national working group was close to finalising a strategy for managing crowded places.

Asked how public places could be protected from people using vehicles as weapons, as happened on London Bridge on Saturday night, the Assistant Commissioner of the Intelligence, Counter-Terrorism and Major Events Command was frank.