Residents are walking into the flood-devastated Queensland town of Mitchell across the damaged main bridge which is being urgently assessed for safety.
Floodwaters are slowly receding but it remains unclear how much damage has been done to the Maranoa River Bridge, which is the primary access route for the town.
The Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads says the bridge is being inspected as a matter of urgency.
"The department is giving top priority to getting the Maranoa River Bridge to a state that is safe for opening," the statement said.
"Initial inspections have showed severe damage to the top of the bridge, including the railing having been completely demolished and large trees and debris piled against the deck.
"This bridge is a critical link to Mitchell and to further western communities thus it is vital for it to be structurally sound prior to opening."
Maranoa Mayor Robert Loughnan said the bridge will remain open to some emergency vehicles and pedestrians until the assessment is complete.
"We've also got the railway bridge being inspected just in case the other bridge doesn't meet inspection standards," he said.
The Maranoa River was 6.2 metres at Mitchell and falling, the Bureau of Meteorology said on Monday.
Mr Loughnan said resource companies had come to the town's aid.
"Some of them are sending their entire crews out to Mitchell today to walk across that bridge and start the clean up process out there," he said.
"We've got some reinforcements which should speed the process up significantly."
Mr Loughnan said Ergon had restored power to around 300 homes but 100 people were still in a blackout.
Earlier, Police Minister Neil Roberts said 280 Mitchell homes had been damaged, with water above the floorboards.
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