Southern Queensland remains on flood alert, with heavy rain and winds affecting cyclone-ravaged communities.
Forty people have been rescued so far in the communities of Mackay and Proserpine -- and two helicopters are conducting ongoing rescue operations.
Authorities say it could be days before power is restored to tens of thousands of cyclone-damaged homes.
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services Commissioner Katarina Carroll is urging residents to take extra care.
south-eastern Queensland schools Closure
And widespread school closures have been announced in the state because of the forecast for flash flooding.
The closures apply to all southeastern Queensland schools from Agnes Water to the New South Wales Border.
Queensland Police Commissioner Ian Stewart has urged parents to pick up their kids early from school ahead of the worst weather.
Disaster aid package
A disaster aid package has been announced for north Queensland businesses and producers.
The aid includes concessional rates for businesses, grants and freight subsidies for primary producers.
Federal Justice Minister Michael Keenan and Queensland Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan say the funds will be available through jointly-funded Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements.
