About 1200 Defence personnel have moved in to help North Queensland communities affected by Cyclone Debbie, Acting Chief of Joint Operations, Major General Stuart Smith says.

"Operating under Joint Task Force 661 (JTF 661), the Defence response will see our sailors, soldiers and airmen undertaking a wide variety of tasks in support of Queensland Fire and Emergency Services and other disaster coordination authorities," Major General Smith says.

"These tasks will include: evacuation; aeromedical transport; search and rescue; assisting to restore critical infrastructure; road and route clearance; emergency food, water, fuel and shelter delivery and distribution; as well reconnaissance, surveillance and damage assessments."