Queensland declared 'disaster zone'

Brisbane, Rockhampton and Toowoomba are among those declared as disaster districts.  

Bligh said the flooding was continuing to "develop and change at a frightening pace".  

She said: "The declaration of a disaster situation gives our police and emergency personnel authority to evacuate members of the public as necessary to ensure the preservation of life and property. As more rain continues to fall, local and state-level disaster management personnel are working to ensure the safety of the community."