Man in court over Tas schoolgirl shooting

A Tasmanian man accused of shooting an 11-year-old girl in the face following an argument outside a supermarket has been told by supporters in court to "stay strong".

Phoenix Newitt remains in a Melbourne hospital after being shot while sitting in the back seat of car outside a house at Deloraine, near Launceston.

Nathan Richard Campbell, 25, faced Launceston Magistrates Court on Friday afternoon charged with causing grievous bodily harm and recklessly discharging a firearm.

He will remain in police custody with case adjourned until September 7.

Campbell's lawyer said the case couldn't proceed as Phoenix's condition was "not yet properly determined".

The schoolgirl had shrapnel removed from her head and neck after being flown to The Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne for emergency surgery.

She is believed to be in a stable condition.

Campbell, wearing a loose grey jumper, called out "love you" to several family members in court as he was taken away by police.

One of the group responded with "love you brother, stay strong".

Police say the shooting on Tuesday night at Stagg Court happened after Phoenix's mother was involved in a fight with Campbell's girlfriend at a nearby Woolworths.

It is alleged Campbell fired at the car, in which Phoenix, her mother, uncle and four-year-old cousin were sitting, from about 50 metres away.

The tight-knit Deloraine community of fewer than 3000 people has been left shaken, Meander Valley Mayor Craig Perkins said.

An online fundraising page has been set up to support Phoenix's family, while counselling services are available at her primary school.