There are fears of significant livestock loss, with graziers forced to abandon their properties, and multiple towns facing rising waters.
Queensland Minister for Disaster Recovery Ann Leahy told Today a number of residents in the south-western town of Thargomindah had left their homes as waters rushed south.
They evacuated to the airport terminal, the highest ground in the town.
Other residents worked overnight to strengthen the flood levee around the town’s outskirts.
The Bureau of Meteorology has issued multiple flood warnings, including for the Thomson River, the Paroo River, and the Warrego River basin.
More rain is also forecast.
The BoM has warned floods are likely to be the highest in the area for more than 50 years, since the historic devastation of 1974.
The federal and state governments have opened up the coffers to offer disaster relief funding to the region.
ADF to build temporary bridge to give access to flood-ravaged town
The Barcoo, Boulia, Bulloo, Diamantina, Longreach, Quilpie, and Winton councils are all eligible for the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements to aid recovery and clean-up.
A fund of $2.5 million has also been established to bring in fodder for livestock.
“We will make whatever resources available, including the ADF, its possible that they might assist in some of the drops,” Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said yesterday.