Flooding in far north Queensland has forced people from their homes as a creek burst its banks following torrential rain.

January 30, 2019

Residents have been forced to flee to higher ground in far north Queensland after floodwaters submerged homes and swept away sheds.

Houses were inundated by more than a metre of water after 300mm of rain fell in four hours at Bluewater, near Townsville.

Rescuers were going house to house late on Wednesday in the fast-flowing floodwaters that washed through streets sweeping away cars, swing sets, fridges, livestock and a tractor.

Earlier, swift water rescue boats, water police, SES personnel and firefighters rescued residents trapped by the fast-rising waters.

Police have cordoned Bluewater off under a safety and preservation declaration, urging residents to avoid the area until it is safe to return.

Local resident Drew Thompson says Bluewater Creek burst its banks earlier in the day, and water levels had risen to about 1.5 metres under his home.

“Every property along Forestry Road on the creek side has had water in or close to their houses,” he told AAP.

Up to 60 homes could have been affected, he said.

The Bruce Highway remains cut on the northern side of the creek and many homes are without power.

Community Centre treasurer Darla Astill said the fast flowing creek had stranded residents and washed away a neighbours’ backyard.

“A few of the locals stuck at home have rung me, and one lady said she’d seen a tractor floating down the creek,” she said.

The floodwaters also cut off a group of campers near Townsville, who had to be rescued by a mustering helicopter from Charters Towers.

The Bureau of Meteorology has warned the wet weather will hang around for at least another week.

It is expected to swing around to the north late on Thursday, back toward catchments that have already been inundated.

A major flood warning is in force for the Haughton, Ross, Bohle and Black Rivers.

The weather bureau has re-issued a flood watch for numerous catchments north of Townsville, including the Daintree River which had a record-breaking flood over the weekend