Federal Govt to give flood assistance 'if appropriate'
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Ms Gillard says the Government is closely monitoring the flooding situation. (ABC News: Kerrin Binnie)
The Federal Government says it will provide assistance to flood-affected communities in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory if it becomes necessary to do so.
Acting Prime Minister Julia Gillard has offered her congratulations to all of the emergency services workers and volunteers who are helping those affected by the floods.
Ms Gillard says they are closely monitoring the flooding along with state and territory governments.
"There are very clear guidelines and protocols under our arrangements for dealing with natural disasters," she said.
"All of these have been agreed between the Federal Government and the states and territories.
"So we are working with our state and territory colleagues, if it becomes appropriate under those guidelines for the Federal Government to provide assistance, then we will."
The Queensland Government is also offering emergency payments to families affected by flooding in the state's south-east.
Infrastructure damage
The state and Federal Governments will also provide natural disaster funding to help repair damage to roads and other infrastructure.
Acting Queensland Premier Paul Lucas says the main clean-up effort today has been around Beaudesert, where more than 60 properties have been isolated.
Mr Lucas says immediate financial help for residents is now available.
"For families where for example, their home is inundated; $160 per person emergency grants, up to $740 for families for essentials such as food, dry clothes and accommodation," he said.
"The Department of Communities will administer that and they're available on 3280 1777."
Stewart Wall from the Beaudesert Shire Council says many roads have been badly damaged and several bridges and bridge approaches are impassable.
He says private property has also been damaged.
"There's hardly any fences left on most of the river flood plains and that's created an issue with wandering stock and farmers who can't locate stock," he said.
"They don't know if they've been swept away or made it to higher ground on someone else's property."
