SYDNEY, Nov 23 (Reuters) - A dam burst in Australia's Queensland state on Sunday after days of heavy rain and up to four people were believed missing in floodwaters, Australian Associated Press reported.

"There are reports of people missing," local mayor Peter Maguire told the news agency. "I've heard three and four but I don't know if that's right."

Police confirmed to Reuters that the dam had broken and flash floods had been feared.

"It was causing a large volume of water to travel downstream. Police hold concerns for the whereabouts of two people," a police spokeswoman said.

The area is a popular picnicking spot.

The bursting of the Bedford dam, near the town of Blackwater in the state's central highlands, reportedly sent thousands of gigalitres of water rushing downstream.

It follows days of bad weather in the northeastern state. Police have advised the public to avoid the area.

The dam reportedly held 22,900 megalitres of water. (Editing by Bill Tarrant)

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