Call for improved conditions at Burren bore baths and campground

Burren Junction Progress Association member and farmer Steve Gardiner is calling on Walgett Shire Council to improve the management and maintenance of the town’s well-known bore baths, warning that their condition is affecting tourism, local businesses and community wellbeing.

“Not looking after the bore is hurting our community and tourism,” Mr Gardiner said.

Burren has been described as the ‘home of the bore baths’, which play a vital role in attracting tourists to the region.

For travellers following the popular Great Artesian Drive, the Burren bore baths and campground are marked as one of the places to stop along the way. The Great Artesian Drive is a road-trip route linking artesian bathing spots across North West NSW.

The naturally heated, mineral-rich waters offer travellers a relaxing soak after a day on the road, while the peaceful rural setting and open skies make it an inviting place to stop, unwind or have a chat with other visitors.

Locals also enjoy the benefits of the bore baths after a hard day at work or for a social catch-up.

They are located three kilometres from town, just off the Kamilaroy Highway.

“I’m a regular bore user,” Mr Gardiner said. “It’s great to chat to the tourists. I also work in emergency services, so it’s nice to go there to unwind and it’s a social thing, too. It’s just nice to be out under the stars.”

However, Mr Gardiner believes the bore baths have been left in a “state of neglect” since the end of 2025.

He said community members pitch in to help where they can, and that concerns had been raised with Walgett Shire Council.

“For two years, Burren Junction’s bore baths were managed by a dedicated caretaker whose work transformed the site into a major tourism drawcard,” Mr Gardiner said.

“We had this caretaker who was doing a great job; he had the place humming.

“During peak season, Easter to October, the baths attracted 60-plus caravans per night, delivering essential trade to the Waterloo Café, Junction City Hotel and other local outlets.

“This year, however, council failed to appoint a dedicated caretaker, increased the overnight fee from $5 to $10 and provided next to no maintenance or service.

“They increased the price to $10 a night this year, but that money is not coming back to our bore; it’s not coming back to Burren.”

Mr Gardiner urged WSC to consider the ratepayers from Burren Junction as well as the tourism benefits for the rest of the region.

“For people travelling from the Narrabri Shire, from Wee Waa, we’re the gateway to the Walgett Shire; Burren is their first experience,” he explained.

“We don’t need a flash new facility; keep it rustic and natural, but we need it to be looked after.

“We want a clean and operational facility… that will bring people to Burren.

“It’s had an impact on local business; they’re feeling the pinch,” he added.

“Travellers who once stayed overnight or for a week now drive straight through Burren, choosing alternative towns such as Pilliga, Collarenebri or Lightning Ridge.”

Bathurst’s Greg Newell has been travelling to visit the Burren bore for about 30 years.

“More recently, it’s been for medical reasons,” he said.

“Burren is the closest place with hot springs.”

Mr Newell praised the former caretaker and said he always kept visitors at the bore in the loop about what was going on in town.

“He was so friendly, he always looked after everyone,” said Mr Newell.

“He made sure everyone felt welcome and safe.

“Like a tourist information point and a thorough gentleman, a legend really.”

Mr Newell said he always tries to support Burren when he visits by buying a few meals and diesel locally because he wants to give back to the friendly community.

However, he has noticed a decline in maintenance at the bore since the former caretaker finished up.

“He was very good at his job, always working or mowing, doing something,” said Mr Newell.

“He just always made you feel like it was your spot and you belonged there.

“It’s a great spot – open skies, good for stargazing and bird watching

“Also, if you don’t have a family member who has a farm, it’s a great way to experience a rural lifestyle.

“Kids see crop dusters or a road train; they get to experience rural life.”

Mr Gardiner is calling for immediate action to bring the artesian bore baths up to a better standard.

He wants council to appoint a dedicated caretaker, regularly clean and maintain public facilities, improve communication and keep the bore baths and camping area open over summer, with the baths operating as a cold pool.

“This is not simply about amenities; it is also about tourism viability, local business survival, community pride, public safety and the fair treatment of rural towns,” he said.

“Don’t lock the facility up and let it deteriorate. It makes a lot of sense to keep it maintained and operational as a cold pool during summer. People will enjoy a refreshing dip under the stars.”

Mr Gardiner’s call for action reflects his broader commitment to the district.

As a senior leader within volunteering emergency services, he is actively involved in the community.

He said he loved living in Burren Junction and wants tourists to continue visiting, but Mr Gardiner is pleading with council to take care of the place that he and many others are proud to call home.

Like in many country towns, Burren Junction community members volunteer their time and continuously go above and beyond to help the district thrive.

“Burren Junction has shown what a small community can achieve when it works together,” Mr Gardiner said.

“Residents now ask why their council cannot meet the same standard.”

Mr Gardiner said concerns about the bore baths formed part of a wider discussion with Walgett Shire Council representatives who visited Burren on 14 October.

The management of public assets and improving infrastructure, facilities and services were on the meeting’s agenda, including the town’s sports precinct, pool, tennis courts and the pedestrian crossing outside Burren Junction Public School.

He said it was good to meet with the representatives and to take them on a tour of the town and facilities; he appreciated their time.

Mr Gardiner said he understood council was not in a strong financial position and suggested state and federal governments should be providing greater support to rural shires, which need to help deliver essential services, the same as metropolitan councils, but have ‘a fraction of the funding, smaller rate bases and vast geographic areas to maintain’.

The Courier/Wee Waa News asked Walgett Shire Council about its recent meeting with Burren Junction residents, including the key issues discussed and concerns over the maintenance and management of the Burren bore baths and campground such as the caretaker arrangements, cleaning, summer access and the potential impact on local tourism and businesses.

Council said it appreciates the time Burren Junction residents took to meet with WSC mayor Jasen Ramien, Cr Jo Coleman, Cr Alf Seaton and Donna Ausling, Director Planning, Environment and Economy.

“The mayor was impressed by the community’s passion and commitment,” said council’s response.

“The discussion covered the bore baths, campground, town maintenance and the importance of these facilities to local businesses and visitors.

“Many of the matters raised have already been addressed or are being planned.”

In an update since the meeting, council said the pedestrian crossing outside BJPS has been restored, the town’s pool gate has been repaired, and the damaged park awning has been removed. A fencer has been contacted for additional quotes for the pool fence.

Repairs have started on the Post Office access ramp and the water leak at the showground.

Council said an electrician has also attended the toilets at the bore bath, and the pool toilets have been repaired.

WCS roads engineer has also inspected the sunken pipe beneath the Kamilaroi Highway and reported it to Transport for NSW.

In the meantime, council said staff have done what they can to level the road, noting this is not a Council road.

“Council will follow up on outstanding matters and keep the community informed as work progresses.

“Council has a small, dedicated workforce, and must balance meaningful communication and engagement with the practical demands of delivering services across the Shire.

“Burren Junction has a full-time council employee dedicated to the town and the bore baths. That level of dedicated staffing is unusual for a community of this size.

“Council also recognises the concerns about the condition of the facilities and the importance of regular maintenance and cleaning.”

Council said it “does not intend to operate the bore baths as cold pools over summer”.

“The baths are designed to operate with a continual flow of fresh hot water, which requires limited chlorination,” read council’s response.

“Converting them to cooling pools would require filtration and additional chlorination. The baths also produce a significant volume of grey water.

“Great Artesian Basin water has high sodium and mineral content, which severely limits reuse options.

“Evaporation is currently the only viable option. Summer allows the evaporation ponds to dry, making it possible for the baths to operate during winter.

“Council invested significantly last financial year to enlarge the ponds and support operation throughout the season.

“Burren Junction also has a council-operated swimming pool that is open during summer.

“Council operates four baths and four swimming pools across the Shire, and supports an additional pool operated by a community organisation.

“We invest heavily in aquatic facilities while working with limited resources and balancing maintenance and improvements across all our assets.

“Walgett Shire’s nine communities are spread across 22,000 square kilometres, with a limited rate base.

“Council has been identified among the 11 most financially unsustainable councils in NSW, so we must live within our means and make careful choices about how our resources are spent.

“We need to manage the cost of increased servicing at the bore baths and campground while trying to avoid entry charges or significant increases to camping fees.

“We understand the value of the bore baths to Burren Junction, its local businesses and visitors, and appreciate the community’s commitment to the baths and its passion for the village.”

Mayor Ramien added: “Burren Junction may be a small town, but it punches well above its weight in both tourism and agriculture.

“It is an important part of the Shire’s economy and identity, and the bore baths, campground and local businesses help make it a welcoming stop for visitors.

“I appreciated the passion and commitment shown by the Burren Junction community, and the respectful way people shared their views with us.

“It was clear how much residents care about their town and want to see it thrive.

“Meetings like this give councillors and senior staff the opportunity to hear directly from people about what matters to them.

“Council has limited financial resources and responsibility for services and infrastructure across nine communities.

“We will never be able to meet every want, or even every need, in every community. But we will listen, consider what people raise and do what we can, when we can.

“Over the past three years, council has invested more than $1.5 million in Burren Junction.

“This includes more than $400,000 in the bore baths and a further $127,000 in the town’s swimming pool.

“We have committed to keeping the showers and campground open during this year’s harvest, and will continue to advocate for grants to improve the town oval and sports precinct and to improve water security.

“We value Burren Junction and will keep working with the community to make the best use of the resources available.”