Barnaby to inspect Debbie's Qld damage

Deputy Prime Minister Barnaby Joyce will visit the regional areas of Queensland hardest hit by Cyclone Debbie.

The federal agriculture minister plans to inspect damaged sugar cane at Proserpine and will also travel through Bowen, Airlie Beach and Rockhampton on Saturday.

Forecasters expect Rockhampton's Fitzroy River to remain above the major flood level of 8.5m for much of Saturday after peaking at 8.9m on Friday.

More than 200 homes have water over the floorboards and about 3000 residences and businesses have been cut off, in the worst flooding since 2011.

The damage bill from Cyclone Debbie surpassed $200 million on Tuesday and is expected to rise.