Gympie residents in southeast Queensland have escaped severe flooding with the Mary River peaking below forecasts.
However, five businesses were inundated when the river reached 15.44 metres, under the predicted 15.7m.
The Bruce Highway remains cut at Middle Creek, south of Gympie, along with several local roads, police say.
Queensland's Bureau of Meteorology says the Mary River is slowly receding.
However, within days the small town of Miva, north of Gympie, is expecting moderate flooding and further northeast, the town of Tiaro is bracing for a major flood, senior flood forecaster Andy Barnes told AAP.
Mr Barnes says no significant rain is expected to fall in the Gympie area on Sunday night.
Joint state and federal government-funded assistance measures have been activated for the Sunshine Coast and Gympie council areas.
Queensland's Emergency Services Minister Neil Roberts says that will help the councils cover the cost of restoring flood- and storm-damaged infrastructure, and counter-disaster operations.
Personal hardship assistance will also be made available in both council areas.
Meanwhile the Queensland Fire and Rescue Service (QFRS) is continuing to warn residents against trying to cross flooded roads and to keep away from floodwaters.
"While flash flooding can occur quickly and catch drivers unaware there is no excuse for those who deliberately drive past a road closed sign into floodwater," QFRS says in a statement.
