State and federal assistance measures activated for north and far north Queensland

Joint State and Federal Government-funded assistance measures have been activated for Burke, Burdekin, Carpentaria, Doomadgee and Mornington Shire Council areas.

The activation follows heavy rainfall and flooding from 16 March, 2012 as a result of Monsoonal Trough situated over the far southern Gulf of Carpentaria.

The Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements will help the five councils cover the cost of their counter disaster operations.

Police and Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said that while the current damage estimate is still to be confirmed, this assistance is a demonstration of the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments' commitment to supporting councils and communities through the recovery process.

While the cyclone warning and watch for communities in the Gulf has now been cancelled, a severe weather warning remains in place for a number of forecast areas as heavy rain continues to fall.

"Flood warnings are also in place for a number of coastal rivers and streams, and local and district disaster management groups continue to manage the situation with the support of Emergency Management Queensland and the Queensland Police Service," Mr Roberts said.

Residents are reminded to take care when travelling in extreme conditions. If it's flooded, forget it.