Our thoughts are with the families of Mackay, who today are attempting to deal with the impacts of extensive flooding.
Overnight and morning heavy rains have essentially isolated Mackay, with the airport closed and roads to both the north and south blocked and only limited communications available.
Despite this latest blow, I am sure Queenslanders will again rally together, as they did so magnificently last month to help other families in need.
The Federal Member for Dawson, James Bidgood has been in constant contact with my office, local families, small business operators and local government officials since early this morning.
A Disaster Situation has been declared for the Mackay District.
Joint State and Commonwealth-funded Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements have also been triggered for Mackay and 12 other local government areas.
This will enable local families, small businesses operators, primary producers and councils to access a range of assistance measures.
I would also like to thank those emergency service personnel and volunteers who again have again responded to this latest urgent situation without hesitation.
Finally I urge everyone in flood affected areas to stay safe and follow the directions of the experts like the police and emergency services.