IT WAS a site used to house thousands of flood evacuees, but on February 23, the AgroTrend grounds will be the place reserved only for celebrations.

Premier Campbell Newman announced in Parliament today that a big, belated Australia Day community barbecue would be held, featuring live music and special guests.

"I cannot wait to get up there again and see how the recovery effort is going and, particularly, talk to people," he said.

"Of course, we want to have an opportunity to thank the volunteers and workers who have done it very tough-as have the residents-in that relief effort and shared the stresses and strains of the last few weeks."

Bundaberg Mayor Mal Forman said event organisers from the Premier's office were expected to fly in todayfri to discuss the logistics of the event with council staff.

"We're looking at local entertainers and just generally having a good time," he said.

"It will be a day to take our mind off things and come together to enjoy each other's company away from the mud."

Cr Forman said the community event would also be a way of "refocusing" and reflecting on what it meant to be an Australian.

"And what it means to be a Bundabergian," he said.

"We never got to celebrate Australia Day here."

Mr Newman also told parliament that it was important to remember the "human element" of the floods.

"I am very concerned about the morale of people in Bundaberg and indeed other places that have been flood affected," he said.

"I think we really need to do more than just deal with the bricks and mortar; we have to deal with the needs of people."

More details of the community event are expected to be released in the coming days.