More heavy rain is forecast for Queensland this weekend, as the number of councils in the state receiving assistance this disaster season has passed 70.

The government today offered concessional loans and freight subsidies to help primary producers in nine western Queensland local government areas.  

The region has experienced more than a year’s rainfall in about a week and many landholders remain isolated and facing significant livestock losses.

The Insurance Council of Australia this afternoon declined to provide information on claims, saying it is an unfolding weather event.  

The Bureau of Meteorology said today that significant flooding continues across much of Queensland and major flood warnings remain in place for western and inland areas.

Senior meteorologist Miriam Bradbury says rain is still moving into those catchments and prolonged flood level peaks are likely.

A major flood warning is in place for the Pioneer River near Mackay, and minor flood warnings have been issued for parts of Queensland and NSW’s east.

“We may see additions to flood watch areas, particularly through parts of eastern southern and southeast Queensland, and parts of northeast NSW as well, including the Northern Rivers,” Ms Bradbury said. “Rain is starting to increase in these areas, and we may possibly see further river rises.” 

She predicts a “wet weekend for much of eastern Australia, with hazards increasing”. 

Queensland Disaster Recovery Minister Ann Leahy says the state has endured bushfires, floods, cyclones and other severe storms this disaster season.

“Impacts from 16 disaster events have seen almost every corner of our state affected by at least one severe weather event this season,” she said.

Western Queensland councils this week reported damage to infrastructure including road networks that require urgent repairs to keep communities connected.  

“It is still a dynamic situation and I urge people in affected areas to stay up to date,” Federal Emergency Management Minister Jenny McAllister said. “It’s a challenging time for communities in western Queensland who are experiencing heavy rainfall and flooding.”

A severe weather warning covers parts of southern inland Queensland and northern inland NSW, with isolated six-hourly falls of 75mm possible. A low-pressure trough is expected to direct rain further towards the east coast on Saturday.

“A wet day is on the way for many of our eastern population centres, including Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast, Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, all looking at their wettest day on Saturday,” Ms Bradbury said.

“It won't be until late Monday into Tuesday that we start to see a more significant easing in conditions across the far southeast.”