This is the worst flooding in 50 years has been caused by that crazy "La Nina" weather pattern.
In Queensland, there are major health risks from floodwater, along with the danger of crocodiles and snakes in flooded homes.
"This disaster is a long way from over," Queensland state Premier Anna Bligh said.
"We now have 22 towns or cities that are either substantially flooded or isolated. That represents some 200,000 people spanning an area that's bigger than the size of France and Germany combined."
Prime Minister Julia Gillard visted the sugar city of Bundaberg, which closed its port on Friday after flood garbage was ushered downstream into shipping channels and damaged navigation beacons.
"This is a natural disaster across Queensland," Gillard said, announcing a A$1 million government helping hand to flood aid which now totals A$6 million.
The closing of Bundaberg has hurt shipments of sugar from Australia, a leading world sugar exporter., and that is going to be felt globally.
"If the port is closed for only a few days it won't be a big issue but any extended delay would cause some concern," said Brian Mahoney, an executive with Marybrough Sugar Factory Ltd.
"If the port is closed for only a few days it won't be a big issue but any extended delay would cause some concern," said Brian Mahoney, an executive with Marybrough Sugar Factory Ltd.
Reminding us of New Orleans and Katrina, (we were there) the inland sea that reaches across Queensland show the rooftops of flooded homes.
With a few islands of dry ground you see stranded livestock and small boats transporting people and emergency supplies.
With a few islands of dry ground you see stranded livestock and small boats transporting people and emergency supplies.
Emergency authorities in Queensland said the flooding was not expected to reach a peak in some areas until Sunday and would not recede for at least a week.
Australia has experienced the wettest spring on record,causing six river systems in Queensland to flood.
If the sugar problems weren't enough, rivers in New South Wales state have also caused flood damage to the wheat crop.
Possibly as much as half the Australian wheat crop, or about 10 million tonnes, has been downgraded to less than milling quality because of rain damage.
This has sent prices up about 45 percent this year, the biggest increase since 2007.
We wish Australia a speedy recovery, and may the new year be a dryer one!
This has sent prices up about 45 percent this year, the biggest increase since 2007.
We wish Australia a speedy recovery, and may the new year be a dryer one!
