ROCKHAMPTON is just over 16,042 kilometres from Paris.

But the ramifications from the weekend terrorist attacks that happened on the other side of the world can be felt strongly here in Central Queensland.

Yesterday members of the CQ Islamic Society and community leaders in the region, including Capricornia MP Michelle Landry and Keppel MP Brittany Lauga, called for calm and understanding following the horror that has unfolded.

We all must accept there are going to be more attacks in the future - it's the way this enemy works.

But it is how we handle our response that will shape our future.

These are emotive times and they force us all to question ourselves and our positions.

Should we, in the face of pure evil, step outside of these ideals to protect innocent people?

I have seen many comments and responses from people across this great region urging our leaders to take a certain course of action.

It appears that people are becoming more polar in their positions. On one hand are those who are promoting tolerance and patience and on the other those who want strong military interaction.

Any response needs to be measured and well thought through.

The most compelling argument I've heard about future action against ISIS is that it needs to be led by members of the world's Islamic community.

Let us hope our leaders have the strength and wisdom to be guided by logic and not emotion in determining the way forward.