Floodwaters are slowly receding in remote towns and cattle stations in Queensland's northwest, but the danger is far from over with crocodiles seen lurking in the deluge.

Residents desperate to begin the massive clean-up have been urged to be cautious, with a number of saltwater crocodiles spotted near inundated towns.

The record-breaking weather event has stranded motorists as well with the Barkly Highway, the only sealed stretch of bitumen linking Queensland to the Northern Territory, closed.

The crucial transport link on the national road network is so severely damaged, repairs could take at least a week, according to authorities. 

The immediate flood emergency has shifted south to Urandangi on the banks of the Georgina River southwest of Mount Isa, near the NT border.

Emergency services have evacuated more than a dozen residents from the town, which has a population of around 20, as the river rises.

• VIDEO: Roo rescued from floodwaters

Police Senior Sergeant Adrian Rieck, from the Mount Isa District Disaster Co-ordination Centre, said helicopters were on standby for emergency rescues and to airlift food, water and medical supplies to Urandangi.

"Water reserves and food supplies are good, and resupply continues. Telstra Services have also been restored to the area," he said.

Almost 100 residents were evacuated from Burketown at the weekend after river levels exceeded seven metres, the highest on record, surpassing the 2011 peak of 6.78 metres.

Thirty-seven houses had their power cut after being inundated, while about 70 residents remained in the area with limited electricity and water supplies.

Conditions were still too dangerous for residents to return with authorities urging those still in Burketown to avoid floodwaters due to submerged debris and crocodiles.

Burke Shire mayor Ernie Camp said water levels had dropped about 40cm on Monday morning.

Cr Camp said about 100 people had been evacuated from the town and another 120 across the shire.

"Quite big numbers considering the shire population in Burketown, so a considerable amount of our citizens are now in neighbouring shires or towns and cities," he said.

He said some parts of the town had stayed relatively high and dry, but it would be some time before the full extent of the damage would be understood.

"Those who are fit and healthy, we'd love to see them back in the next two weeks, but those who may have some medical conditions, please stay where you are," Cr Camp said.

Severe flooding is continuing along the Gregory, Nicholson and Leichhardt rivers, which recorded up to 35mm of rain in the 24 hours to Sunday morning.

A major flood warning is also active in the lower Flinders and Cloncurry rivers.

With more showers and isolated thunderstorms forecast for the state's northwest, emergency services expect peak flooding to continue.

Queensland Emergency Services Minister Mark Ryan said there was extensive damage in the state's northwest after daily rainfall reached in excess of 300mm.

"This has caused significant damage to road infrastructure, with large washouts and ground saturation triggering the closure of a number of roads," he said.

The federal and state governments announced more disaster funding, including payments for Urandangi residents of up to $180 for individuals or $900 for families to cover personal essentials.

In Burke, Carpentaria, Cloncurry, Doomadgee, Mornington and Mount Isa, loans of up to $250,000 are being made available for affected small businesses and primary producers.

Meanwhile, in NSW 100mm of rain was recorded in the Riverina town of Cootamundra with hundreds of properties on alert for flash flooding. 

The SES issued an emergency warning just after 9am (AEDT) for more than 880 properties along the creek, asking residents to evacuate.

Just after noon, the warning was downgraded to Watch and Act, but authorities warned showers and thunderstorms were forecast for the area.