Residents warned to get out while they can as 'flood of the century' to hit Rockhampton this week
Authorities have slammed those who ignore Rockhampton’s flood warnings as “fools” as the worst flood in 64 years is set to peak this week.
The flood is expected to reach levels last seen in 1954 and emergency services have asked locals to be prepared and get ready.
Tuesday is predicted to see the worst of the floods and locals have been warned they will be fined if they use jet skis or speed boats during the peak.
Seven News reporter Pat Condren said on Sunrise that authorities have said those who get stuck in floodwaters are a “fool” to themselves and “a burden to others”.
The floodwaters could swamp more than 3000 homes and 1500 businesses in the low-lying parts of the state's beef capital, cut off roads, the railway and the local airport.
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The Fitzroy River in Rockhampton is expected to peak at 9.5 metres on Wednesday, which is bigger than the 2011 and 1991 floods and equal the 1954 flood.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said the large volume of water flowing from the Mackenzie River into the Fitzroy River follows from last week's torrential rain from Cyclone Debbie.
"This is going to be a big one - this is going to be equivalent or bigger than 1954," Ms Palaszczuk said.
"Some people living in this town have not seen a flood of this magnitude."
Rockhampton Mayor Margaret Strelow said: "We don't get a wall of water but a gentle inundation."
However, she says it will still have a serious impact on Rockhampton's economy.
An evacuation centre will be ready for people ahead of Wednesday.
Meanwhile southeast parts of the state begin mopping up.
Low-lying Logan and Gold Coast suburbs are expected to start assessing the damage after the Logan River hit 1974 record flood levels on Saturday.
The Logan River peaked at 10 metres on Saturday and is gradually receding, however some properties may still have floodwaters through homes on Sunday morning.
More than 300 properties are expected to have flood damage from the Logan and Albert rivers.
