Australia-massive stock losses in Queensland floods.

AUSTRALIA-STOCK LOSSES MASSIVE IN FLOOD AREAS.

In flood-affected Queensland, the stock losses will be "massive". Federal Agriculture Minister, Tony Burke, says.

"Beef cattle can swim for a couple of days, but when water gets to 12 metres the stock losses will be enormous," he says.

"The damage to cane, while we know it will be extraordinary, we can’t be clear on the full extent on that until probably a fortnight after the water subsides."

While floodwaters have begun to recede in the state’s rain-soaked far north, residents are bracing for the full extent of the damage to be revealed.

Much of the Bruce Highway and some other roads have been reopened, allowing more food and medical supplies to continue to be trucked into the region today.