The family of a 36-year-old New Zealand man killed by a police officer at a Queensland property are angry over the shooting.

The man's brother told One News the shooting was "disgusting" and "unjust" and believed police were aware of the man's history and that he had the mental age of a 14-year-old.

Queensland Police arrived at the house on Geoff Wilson Dr in Norman Gardens at 7.10pm on Friday night after receiving several calls from neighbours.

Two officers approached the man who was shot at and died shortly after at the scene.

One neighbour told the Today Show they heard two shots being fired and then a number of sirens in the usually quiet Rockhampton suburb.

Detective Superintendent Ronald Van Saane told media at the scene that the man was armed with at least one knife.

"It's been a traumatic event for everyone involved and the next of kin."

Queensland Police Union General secretary Mick Barnes told ABC the officers resorted to using firearms after a Taser was ineffective.

The police officers were wearing body cameras during the shooting. Australia's Ethical Standards Command is investigating the incident, which is subject to oversight by the Crime and Corruption Commission.