As the water receded in the inundated town of Charleville, 760 kilometers west of the capital, a massive flood tide surged through swollen creeks and rivers, isolating other outback communities.

Despite the disruption and occasional scare for locals, few were complaining after years of parched conditions on the land and low dam levels in the city that subjected Brisbane residents to some of the toughest water restrictions in the nation.

In addition to Charleville, large swathes of the southwest have been declared disaster areas, including the towns of Roma and Quilpie Shire.

Flood waters are dropping, albeit slowly, in Charleville and Roma, but they are rising around St. George to the south, as record rainfall swells the Balonne River.

Balonne Shire mayor Donna Stewart said she expected some homes would be flooded in St. George later  Wednesday.