Two constables who fled for their lives after their colleagues were gunned down in a "trap" designed to "kill and maim" as many officers as possible had to contend with snakes as fires were lit around them.
Queensland Police Union president Ian Leavers said the trio of offenders had a sophisticated surveillance set up at the rural property west of Brisbane.
Brothers Gareth and Nathaniel and Gareth's wife Stacey Train have been identified as the shooters.
Police sources say the complicated set-up at their property prompted investigators to call in the bomb squad on Wednesday afternoon to analyse the scene before the investigations could continue.
Two constables — Matthew Arnold, 26, and Rachel McCrow, 29 – were killed in what Mr Leavers described as a "trap".
Constable Keely Brough, 28, raised the alarm as she was hunted by the attackers.
Constable Randall Kirk, also 28, was shot in the leg.
The Trains attempted to flush them out with grass fires.
"Once there are fires, the snakes run," Mr Leavers said.
"That area is well known to be riddled with snakes and the ants and what they had to go through, not only fighting for their lives and trying to save themselves, they had other elements such as ants and snakes that they had to contend with."
Mr Leavers said he had no doubt the four young officers were walking into a trap when they responded to a missing person report for Nathaniel Train on Monday.
"My assessment is, there was a sophisticated surveillance network, which was well prepared for the arrival of police," he said.
"I have no doubt that this was set up to kill and maim as many police officers as they could.
"What they [the offenders] had prepared and planned was clearly to take out as many police as they possibly could, it was worse than what you could imagine."
The courage of both surviving constables was praised by Mr Leavers.
"Matt and Rachel, their lives were taken, but with Keely and Randall, they acted on instinct and their courage is incredible."
All four officers had gone to the Wains Road at Wieambilla in response to a NSW missing person report for Nathaniel, a formerly well-respected school teacher.
Specialist police later shot and killed all three attackers.
Constable Kirk escaped the attack in a police car. Constable Brough fled into long grass where she said goodbye to loved ones on the phone.
'Just a little sore'
Constable Kirk, who is expecting a second child with his wife Breanna next month, is due to be released from hospital on Wednesday.
In a statement released by the Queensland Police Union, Constable Kirk said the community's outpouring of support meant a lot.
"I'm feeling fine, just a little sore. My main thoughts are with the other police families at this awful time," he said.
"My wife and I have a young family and would appreciate privacy as we come to terms with this."
Kirk 'may need surgery in future'
Constable Kirk underwent surgery to remove shrapnel and repair injuries from "a variety of weapons", the statement said.
Mr Leavers said the surgery to remove all the shrapnel was "extensive", and Constable Kirk may need further surgery in the future.
"He has an 18-month-old child, and they have another child due within the next six weeks and I just want him to recover," Mr Leavers said.
Constable Brough was released from hospital on Tuesday.
"I know she is with her loved ones and I'm just wishing her the best that she can take time to process this," Mr Leavers said.
Commissioner Carroll said she met with Constable Brough and spoke with Constable Kirk.
"They're doing as well as can be expected, they're grateful they're alive," she said.
"It's a difficult time for them … because they were there when their partners were killed."
