Mountains of flood debris test volunteers as clean-up continues in Brisbane

AN army of good Samaritans hit the streets of Brisbane again today as the flood-ravaged capital's massive clean-up operation moved into its second phase.

Volunteers work to clear rubbish and mud left by floodwaters in the Brisbane suburb of St Lucia. Picture: Craig Greenhill

AN army of good Samaritans hit the streets of Brisbane again today as the flood-ravaged capital's massive clean-up operation moved into its second phase.

Up to 12,000 rubber-gloved, mop-wielding volunteers launched the campaign yesterday, and they were just as keen to help out some more today.

But the main job this time was to get rid of a mountain of debris - hundreds of tonnes of it - collecting in streets across the city.

Extra skip bins were being distributed to cart away piles of broken furniture, acres of ruined carpets and broken household appliances.

Separate bins were being provided for perishable items, such as rotting food.

“After a monster effort cleaning local streets and houses on Saturday, volunteer efforts will today focus on clearing suburban footpaths of debris and flood damaged items like furniture,” Lord Mayor Campbell Newman said.

He urged those not involved in the clean-up to stay at home.

“Please just do not go out on the streets, because we can't turn the trucks around, we can't get volunteers out to local streets on buses ...it's really important that people stay off the roads,” he told the ABC.

Mr Newman again emphasised that the clean-up in Brisbane would take months.

And the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure could take two years.

The latest assessment of damage to Brisbane's CityCat ferry service system put the repair bill at a minimum of $70 million, he added.

Meanwhile, tip truck owners are being asked to donate their time to help cart the rubbish away.

All volunteers are being warned about the dangers of asbestos, live electrical equipment and infection.

Tetanus shots are available at volunteer stations.

AAP