THE complex nature of escalating youth crime is under the spotlight as the Queensland Government takes steps to shake up the system of dealing with young offenders.

But opinions on the matter are divided and Member for Keppel Bruce Young has called on local residents to have their say on the issue as his government looks to develop a youth justice blueprint.

Mr Young has advocated for tougher reforms since his was elected to state parliament and said it was critical that any future policy decisions were made in the best interests of local communities.

Youth boot camps are the centerpiece of the recently-released Safer Streets Crime Action Plan and the accompanying survey was designed to give Queenslanders a say on the state's youth justice system.

Two trial camps were already established on the Gold Coast and Cairns when a further three, including one in Rockhampton were announced last week.

The program would involve eight days in-house, mentoring, volunteering and family involvement.

Magistrates Court figures showed Rockhampton had one of the highest numbers of juvenile offenders in any of Queensland's major centres and cries to do something have only become louder.

The government's review into the youth justice system was a pre-election commitment and Mr Young said the Safer Streets Crime Action Plan was a key element in the continuing review.

The plan also includes a summary of previously implemented criminal law reforms, including increased penalties for child sex offenders, murderers and assaulting or evading police.

"Youth crime has been an ongoing issue in the Rockhampton region, but it's not one that can be fixed overnight," said Mr Young.

"With the input of the community, we can ensure Queenslander's voices are heard and will inform future reforms."  

Rockhampton publican and member of Queensland's Youth Justice Reference Group, Will Cordwell has been critical of the current system but said locking kids up was not the solution."

"That's the whole problem all of us have to come to grips with - the community, the police, the courts and the media.

"Solutions have to be found to why kids are repeat offenders…if we are all fair dinkum about helping our kids, we have to do this," he said.

Mr Young called on residents to complete the survey and have their say as soon as possible.  

The paper and survey are available at justice.qld.gov.au