Flood stricken communities across Queensland and NSW are being assisted by more than 2000 defence force personnel who will also take part in clean-up efforts.
Defence Minister Peter Dutton confirmed 103 people had been rescued by ADF helicopters since the flood crisis began.
But personnel are stretched over a geographically huge area spanning the south-east corner of Queensland and down the east coast toward western Sydney, he said.
“The effort on the ground is frustrated in some areas because it is inaccessible even to the ADF with their vehicles to get in and start the clean up,” he told the Nine Network on Friday.
“There is a sense of reassurance when the ADF rolls into those streets, and they know that … they understand the gravity they bring to a local area to boost spirits and to help people get back on their feet.”
South east Queenslanders are urged to stay home where possible due to the potential for more wild weather today.
Schools are only open to vulnerable children and those of essential workers.
Further South and A “rain bomb” forecast to hit Sydney dumped less rain than expected — but several suburbs remain on high alert.
Major flooding is still possible along the Hawkesbury-Nepean in the north-west, but river heights aren’t expected to reach last year’s levels.
The all-clear has been given for areas around the Georges River in the south-west, including Milperra and Moorebank.
Residents are urged to monitor the situation in their area and stay out of floodwaters.
Residents in Victoria will also recieve heavy rain which may lead to flash flooding.
Melbourne expected to be hit by heavy rain and thunderstorms tonight, the system intensifying as it reaches East Gippsland over the weekend.
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