Act now to stem cyclone losses: business

The Queensland government must act now to limit the financial fallout from Cyclone Marcia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry says.

The CCIQ's Nick Behrens says the government and tourism leaders must begin an urgent information campaign so the world knows most of the state is open for business.

He says previous cyclone and flood disasters have shown how the financial hurt spreads well beyond disaster zones, on the back of media coverage showing ruined homes and businesses.

"Those images can mistakenly lead to the impression that Queensland has been devastated and that the entire state is closed," Mr Behrens says.

"In 2011, 2013 and 2014 businesses did not have to be directly impacted from flooding or the high winds to be seriously financially impacted."

He warns the fallout from Cyclone Marcia will be no different without immediate, aggressive action.