Conservationists are calling on the Queensland government to rethink how it prevents shark attacks following two life-threatening bites in the Whitsundays last week.

Four tiger sharks were killed over the weekend by baited hooks dropped into Sawmill Bay by Fisheries Queensland following the attacks on Justine Barwick, 46, and Hannah Papps, 12.

Humane Society International and Sea Shepherd Australia say the shark killing gives people a false sense of security.

"Baited drum lines targeting sharks in the area will do nothing to prevent further accidents," Sea Shepherd's Jonathan Clark said.

Shark control equipment being deployed at Sawmill Bay after two shark attacks in the Whitsundays. (AAP)

"Stop the nonsense about speaking of 'effectiveness' only in terms of their ability to kill sharks.

"That bit is easy and it's lazy policy. Making beaches actually safer is much harder and unrelated to their ability to kill sharks."

HSI marine campaigner Lawrence Chlebeck says public support for lethal measures has dropped and that there have been significant developments in shark mitigation since baited hooks were dropped into Queensland waters in 1962.

"That's 60 years ago now... the technology is there and we've moved on," he said.

Hannah Papps, 12, is in a critical but stable condition. (Supplied)

But the state government insists catching and killing sharks is in the interest of public safety even though it is impossible to know if they caused the injuries.

The Liberal National Party agrees it's the right move.

"The reality is drum lines have proven to be successful in the past," MP Stirling Hinchliffe said.

"We rely upon advice from Fisheries in this space, that's what we'll continue to do."

The girl is loaded into a Royal Flying Doctor Service plane. (9NEWS)

But locals also say the killing is unnecessary.

"I think it's terrible. How do they know those sharks are the ones who bit the people?" Glenn Dray said.

Another local, Erin Graystone, said: "I just find it horrible and disgusting that these creatures are getting shot for us being in their territory."

The sharks will be cut open and measured before being dumped at sea.

Justine Barwick underwent emergency surgery. (Supplied)

Hannah Papps, 12, was holidaying from Melbourne with her father and sister when she received a life-threatening wound to her right leg on Thursday while swimming in shallow water in Cid Harbour.

Her attack came after Tasmanian Justine Barwick, 46, was bitten on her left thigh while snorkelling in the same area less than 24 hours earlier.

Ms Barwick has undergone a marathon 18-hour surgery to save her leg, her husband Craig says she is awake and communicating with him by blinking.

Both victims are hospital in Brisbane and Hannah is in a critical but stable condition.

"We would like to thank everyone who has helped and cared for Hannah, including the police, emergency services and the hospital teams," her family said in a statement.

"We ask that everyone, including the media, please respect our family's privacy during this very difficult time so we can focus our energies on Hannah's recovery."