Aussies prepare for biggest flood in decades

Preparations are under way in Rockhampton for what is expected to be the biggest flood in the central Queensland city in more than 60 years.

Rockhampton's one of many towns and cities in Queensland and northern New South Wales threatened by rapidly rising rivers in the wake of Tropical Cyclone Debbie.

The Defence Force is sending soldiers to Rockhampton to help the city prepare as river levels are expected to reach near record levels.

"People of Rocky have been through floods before, they understand what to do to get ready," Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said on Sunday.

"But this one is going to be a big one."

Five have already died in the floods, Australian media reported.

Newshub.