A teenager has been charged with two counts of attempted murder after allegedly stabbing a woman and her 11-year-old daughter in a small town west of Brisbane.

The 39-year-old mother and young girl remain in hospital fighting for life, while the 16-year-old accused from Rosewood is in police custody.

The pair were found with multiple abdomen injuries after the alleged attack by a member of their family at a home in Normanton Close, Rosewood, about 60km south-west of Brisbane last night.

READ MORE: US declares El Nino early: Likely to be big and add even more heat

Detective Inspector David Briese said the victims underwent surgery for major injuries and remained in a critical condition in hospital, while police are examining a knife found at the scene.

He said another child from the same family who was at the home was unharmed.

The teenage boy was taken into custody at the scene without incident last night.

Briese said one of the victims was able to call triple-zero, with emergency services arriving at the confronting scene shortly after.

READ MORE: Trump says he's been indicted on charges over classified documents

"If not for the actions of those first responders, it certainly could have been a lot worse," he said.

A crime scene has been declared and investigations continue.

Anyone with information about the incident should contact Policelink.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or beyond blue on 1300 22 4636. National Domestic Violence Service: 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).