Girl, 2, had been in car for 'hours' before being found dead, police say

A two-year-old girl found dead in a car in a council car park in Far North Queensland yesterday had been in the vehicle for several hours before she was found, according to police.

Emergency services were called to the Cassowary Coast council chambers car park on Rankin Street, Innisfail about 1pm AEST yesterday.

Paramedics were unable to resuscitate the girl.

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Superintendent Mick Searle today confirmed the girl's parents were not with the car when the girl was found, and were variously "at work and looking after their family".

"It appears the child had been in the vehicle by herself for quite some time and the parents were away from the car at the time the child was found," he said.

"It would appear to be quite some hours... a significant period of time."

Searle said the family was cooperating with police, who were offering them support.

He would not be drawn on whether charges were imminent.

"This is an ongoing investigation," he said.

"It is very detailed in its nature, it will be very complex and there will be a range factors that we will need to assess.

"The investigation will go on for quite some time and we will prepare a brief of evidence for the northern coroner in due course."

He said the Queensland Police Service had extended support to family and friends, the wider Innisfail community and to first responders.