Qld towns hit with year's worth of rain

A year's worth of rain has already fallen in some Queensland communities so far in 2008, the state government says.

Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts said an analysis of official rainfall figures for 11 major centres showed Proserpine (1,469mm) and Charters Towers (618mm) had already received more than their respective annual average rainfall levels of 1,359mm and 613mm.

"In Ayr, Townsville and Yeppoon, more than 80 per cent of annual average rain has fallen this year and there has been localised flooding issues in each of these local regions," Mr Roberts said.

Mr Roberts said other areas like Mackay, Emerald, Charleville, Bundaberg and Rockhampton had received more than half of their annual average rainfall.

"The rainfall figures in these centres show just how difficult the weather has been for residents, local communities and emergency services staff and volunteers."

Mackay was declared a disaster zone last week after 624mm of rain fell in 10 hours on Friday.

Mr Robertson said joint state-commonwealth Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements had been activated for 77 local government areas - or around 80 per cent of the state.

However, other areas such as Toowoomba, west of Brisbane, have missed out on the deluge.

Only 102mm of rain has so far fallen on the drought-stricken city this year - well below its January average rainfall of 132mm, let alone its annual average of 944mm.