FLOOD levels in Ipswich are subsiding to reveal the true extent of damage to the city, with the repair bill tipped to pass the $100 million mark.

Some residents who evacuated houses on Tuesday and Wednesday were able to see their homes and businesses for the first time with the Bremer River slowly starting to recede.

More than 3000 homes and businesses were affected by the floods, with Energex reporting more than 18,000 premises in Ipswich and 4000 in the Lockyer Valley were still without power last night.

Hundreds of homes are still inaccessible due to the flooding, with the Bremer still holding about the 15m mark yesterday afternoon, according to the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM).

Riverside suburbs are still flooded with North Booval, Bundamba and Goodna just some of the areas still enveloped by the floodwaters.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the repair and clean-up bill for the city, including roads and infrastructure, would be in excess of $100 million.

Cr Pisasale joined other Ipswich politicians and Prime Minister Julia Gillard in urging residents to bind together and help their mates pull through this disaster.

Council workers were up at the crack of dawn yesterday to start clean-up efforts, and skip bins were already in the CBD and North Booval for residents to use.

The council said more skips would be distributed throughout the city in the coming days.

More than 30 streets were still closed across the city last night, with many more closed or significantly damaged in the Lockyer Valley, Scenic Rim and Somerset council regions.

The Ipswich Motorway and Warrego Highways are closed at a significant number of locations, while the Cunningham Highway is open with restrictions.

The Centenary Highway is closed towards Brisbane.

Ipswich bus and FlexiLink services will return to normal today with some diversions in place, while Queensland Rail trains should runon an hourly basis.

Residents should check their route on www.translink.com.au. For information on available disaster relief benefits, call the Australian Government Emergency Assistance Hotline on 180 22 66.

WEATHER OUTLOOK

Today: mostly fine, possible shower

Saturday: Mostly fine, possible shower

Sunday: Fine

Monday: Afternoon showers

Tuesday: Shower or two

Wednesday: Possible shower

Thursday: Possible shower