NZ Civil Defence team on move in Queensland

A public sign is seen under flood water after Charlie's Creek reached it's peak for a second time in Chinchilla. Photo / Getty Images

New Zealand's Civil Defence team was back on the move in flood-ravaged Queensland today after spending a frustrating day off confined to one of the state's isolated communities.

The 15-member team managed to leave high ground in Miles and head to Chinchilla, 300km northwest of Brisbane, were a massive clean-up operation is underway now Charleys Creek has subsided.

Civil Defence liaison officer Ian Wilson said that although roads were still badly affected he was hopeful the team could make the relatively short distance from Miles.

Mr Wilson said the team was anxious to resume its clean-up and logistical tasks after being evacuated to Miles when floodwaters forced its removal from Condamine on Monday when the settlement was inundated.

Designated to rest yesterday after spending three days in the field, the New Zealanders were confined to cooking and cleaning duties for Condamine residents.

Once they reach Chinchilla they will help cleaning buildings, streets, public places and help residents remove damaged property.

The first Civil Defence team to be deployed outside of New Zealand heads home on January 22 - a replacement unit is in the process of being selected.

"It is likely the second team will be deployed to a different area given the priorities set by the Queensland authorities and the difficulty moving around the state due to road closures," said Ministry of Civil Defence and Emergency Management director John Hamilton.

The second team should be ready to cross the Tasman in the middle of next week depending on availability of flights and emergency response requirements in Queensland.

- NZPA