Major bridge finally re-opens after NSW flood crisis

There has been a major step forward in the ongoing flood recovery in the Hawkesbury in Sydney's north-west, with Windsor Bridge re-opening from today.

The bridge had been submerged in last week's floods, with the Hawkesbury River peaking at record levels.

Hundreds of residents were left cut off from their homes, with unprecedented evacuations of suburban areas.

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But now, with the bridge re-opened, residents and business owners are able to finally get back to inspect the damage done by the heavy floods.

Crucial supplies can also be shipped in.

Despite the waters receding, knock-on effects are still being felt, with another landslide in Penrith yesterday afternoon.

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And train delays are also expected to continue through the city today, with trackwork on damaged lines.

Elsewhere in NSW, questions continue to be asked over the flood response in the state's north.

It was reported on the weekend that the SES had initially refused offers of help from the Australian Defence Force.

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Now, Nine newspapers have reported that after repeatedly requesting ADF help, the state government was told 300 troops were available.

But on the same day, the federal government reportedly told media outlets 2000 troops could be deployed to aid in the crisis.

Thousands of homes are still uninhabitable in the region, with some residents forced to sleep in cars.

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In Queensland, the Brisbane River is still closed to recreational boat-users, with the waters still deemed too dangerous.

Authorities say about 160 large objects are still loose in the river - despite 1100 tonnes of debris having been removed in the past two weeks.

Salvage crews have removed jet skis, boats, moorings and trees from the waters.

People are advised to stay out of the river for at least the next few weeks, while the return of the ferry network could be months away.