"We will get the full assessments over the next few weeks about the impact on the economy and I think everyone should spare a thought for the farmers who are going to feel a huge impact," she said. On Saturday, disaster assistance was made available for the local government areas of Hinchinbrook, Mareeba, Cassowary Coast and Yarrabah. Law Enforcement and Cyber Security minister Angus Taylor said the money, made available through the Commonwealth-State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements, would support response operations, repair flood-damaged assets and assist heavily impacted communities. “The north of Queensland has again faced heavy rainfall and flooding. A number of residential properties and businesses have been flooded and several communities have been isolated," he said. “The assistance announced today is designed to help those affected get back on their feet and speed up the recovery process for the community,” Mr Taylor said.

The Insurance Council of Australia has declared a "catastrophe" in north Queensland, especially the Cassowary Coast and Hinchbrook regions. ICA CEO Rob Whelan said the "catastrophe" declaration means insurers would now prioritise claims from people affected by floods and storm-related damage. Disaster recovery specialists will be deployed to the worst-affected areas once roads reopened, while policyholders needing help can contact the ICA's disaster hotline on 1800 734 621. One third of Queensland's council areas have been affected by floodwaters as school students remain stranded at a camp in north Queensland. Near Tully, 71 year 6 students are being cared for by eight staff after they were flooded in at Echo Creek Adventure Camp.

Near Tully, 71 year 6 students are being cared for by eight staff after they were flooded in at Echo Creek Adventure Camp. Credit:Twitter - @AnnastaciaMP Police said a helicopter managed to drop off "sufficient supplies and medical equipment" to the site and evacuate one child and one parent due to "pre-existing health reasons" during a break in the weather on Friday. State Disaster Coordinator Deputy Commissioner Bob Gee said the risk was too great to remove the remaining children and adults from the area at this time. About 8am Saturday, the Willows State School principal Helen McCullough confirmed the students and staff were being kept safe, well fed and dry. "Happy to report that I have been in contact early this morning and the skies are clearer and camp activities are planned for the day," Ms McCullough said.

On the Cassowary Coast, the North Johnstone River peaked at 8.9 metres about 12.30am on Saturday while the South Johnstone River peaked at 10.47 metres about 1.15am. Cassowary Coast Regional Council warned residents to keep away from flooded areas and only travel if it was essential. "It’s been a very stressful time for residents in low-lying areas with a small portion of Innisfail residents seeking refuge in the Johnstone Shire Hall during the night," the council said. "There is a great deal of water around and emergency services ask that you drive to the conditions and keep away from flooded areas.

"There are a lot of cars driving around looking at the water and unfortunately they are causing a backwash into properties which is creating further damage.” Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk (centre) is briefed by Police Commissioner Ian Stewart (right) on the floods in the state's north at the State Emergency Complex in Brisbane. Credit:Dan Peled. Ingham was hit hard by flood waters on Friday with 175 homes north and south of the city inundated and the town centre cut off after floodwaters forced the closure of the Bruce Highway. A rescue helicopter was sent to Halifax and Hawkins Creek on Friday where two people had been seriously injured after falling in floodwaters. The pair was flown to Townsville Hospital for treatment.

Floodwaters peaked at 14.7 metres at Ingham on Friday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Meteorology. Police Commissioner Ian Stewart warned parents to be cautious about letting their children play outside as floodwaters receded, with surges through drains and park areas expected. “We are looking at the same sorts of levels we saw in 2009, it is a dangerous situation,” he said. Queensland Fire and Emergency Services has warned floodwater could affect homes around Ingham and Halifax. Credit:QFES / Twitter

Emergency Services Minister Craig Crawford urged residents to stay safe and avoid non-essential travel. "We want people to use their common sense and keep themselves and their loved ones out of dangerous situations," he said. Showers were expected to shift north and reach the northern Cape York Peninsula by Saturday. Swift water rescue crews remain on standby to assist in emergencies.