Residents of North Bundaberg are returning to their homes again to continue the slow process of cleaning up and assessing damage.

The area, which was subject to an exclusion zone, was opened for the first time on Saturday to allow locals to assess the damage and collect personal items like wallets, identification and photo albums.

They had to leave last night, but will be allowed back in on Sunday throughout the day.

More than 1000 residents, emergency services and volunteers are helping.

Glenn Hart from the Bundaberg Regional Council says the mud army was out in force on Saturday, and he expects the same on Sunday.

"We achieved plenty," he said in a statement.

"The way the volunteers interacted with those affected community members showed the kinship that exists in our community."