Bores fail in Cunnamulla weeks before hot springs open

A Southwest Queensland town continues to face harsh water restrictions despite the majority of the state being inundated with water.

While much of the Sunshine State has been inundated with water due to significant downpours between Cairns and the Gold Coast, the Southwest Queensland town of Cunnamulla is struggling to access its water supply.

The town on the edge of the Outback relies mostly on four bores for its water supply. However, two of the bores are currently out of operation, leaving the town to rely solely on the remaining two.

One of the bores was recently damaged by a severe storm, while the other has been waiting for a replacement pump for several months.

Paroo Shire mayor, Suzette Beresford said the town has adequate water, as long as locals adhere to the water restrictions put in place by the council.

However, residents are warned the water pressure will be very low while only two bores are operational.

Council is working on repairing both bores, but repairs are being held up due to suppliers shutting during the Christmas and New Year period.

Ms Beresford said when council reconvenes in late January they will discuss how to prevent these problems from happening in the future.

And, while local people and businesses have been ordered to minimise their water use, the town is preparing to open a new luxury hot springs facility in two weeks which will feature seven pools and aims to bring 20,000 tourists to the region throughout the next year.

Originally published as Bores fail in Cunnamulla weeks before hot springs open