AFTER an agonising wait, residents of the worst-hit suburb in flood-devastated Bundaberg will be lining up at first light to see what is left of their homes. North Bundaberg residents were bitterly disappointed when police overruled a council plan to let them enter the exclusion zone to view the damage on Friday afternoon. Police said the area was not yet safe and no one would be allowed in until at least 6am (AEST) on Saturday. Hundreds of people who queued at the Burnett Bridge to go across were left fuming. Shaune Hardy had travelled all the way from Childers to check on his home. "We've obviously got enough stress to deal with without this adding to it," he told AAP. Michael Hill was applauded by others gathered at the bridge when he criticised the recovery operation. "It's been a Mickey Mouse operation from day one," he said. We've been told 20 different things. Bundaberg police Superintendent Rowan Bond said residents would understand the decision once they saw the "scene of utter devastation." Police would post photographs of the suburb at entry points to get the point across, he said. Houses are not there any more. There's roads that are not there any more," he told reporters. Not pot holed; the roads have just disappeared. Water police guarded the Burnett River, and armed police stood guard at council chambers after residents were told they wouldn't be allowed back on Friday. Council CEO Peter Byrne warned people what to expect. At least 10 houses were completely destroyed and about 30 were severely damaged. Police tape was across many homes, indicating they were structurally unsound. Mr Byrne also warned pet owners to expect the worst. "There are many dead pets over there, but the ones we have found alive have gone to the RSPCA and have been cared for," he said. Meanwhile, the clean-up has begun in other parts of the town, particularly East Bundaberg. Resident Hedley Tripp said his family photo albums and tools for his work as an electrician had completely been destroyed by mud. Mr Tripp could not hold back his emotions as he looked at a dressing table that had been completely destroyed. "It was my mother's mother's," he sobbed. Politicians and dignitaries have flown to Bundaberg in recent days to lend their support. Housing Minister Tim Mander announced on Friday the government would assist displaced residents with accommodation. Governor-General Quentin Bryce wound up her tour of flood-affected areas with a community barbecue in the city. Man people have been arriving to lend a hand where they can. Gladstone man Tony Ross spent about $1000 on portable cooking equipment to donate to the community after hearing the town's gas supply was cut. He also brought plenty of shovels and brooms to help with the clean-up. "I was just raised to help people less fortunate than me, so that's what I'm doing," he said.