Aussies see fire and rain as extremes lash the nation

Australians are being battered by extremes on opposite sides of the nation, with people urged to remain vigilant amid ongoing fire and flood risks.

Though a bushfire continues to rage about 200km southeast of Perth, nearby residents are no longer being told to leave their homes.

The threat to lives and homes remains possible as fire conditions change but the risk alert has been downgraded to watch and act.

Bannister, Wuraming and Boddington locals should continue monitor their surroundings and act quickly if the situation worsens.

Roads can be cut off or turn muddy and communities isolated as flash flooding risks rise from thunderstorms, particularly in remote western Queensland.

“Across this period between Christmas and New Year, many people will be travelling or holidaying, so this is definitely something to build into your plans,” Ms Bradbury said.

The extreme weather caused a partial crane collapse on the Gold Coast on Thursday as winds reached more than 80km/h.

Police made an emergency declaration in the area but no injuries were reported.