Collarenebri Bore Baths were supposed to be a big tourism drawcard when they opened in September 2024.

They garnered national attention, being featured on ABC's Landline program.

But after only two months of being open Walgett Shire Council was forced to shut them down.

After months of planning, work will soon kick off to get the bore baths back in action.

The Collerenabri bore baths were initially slated to run between four to six hours per day, with continuous water circulation lasting eight minutes before being discharged and replaced.

The excess water then flowed to the Walgett Shire Council's evaporation ponds, which are located in the sewer treatment plant.

However, the evaporation ponds were not designed to handle such large volumes of water.

Under advice from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Walgett Shire Council shut the plant in November 2024.

Many within the community are frustrated with the situation.

Local publican Phyllis Dunn said the closure is having an impact on the town's tourism economy.

"We get at least 30 people per week asking about bore baths," she said.

"People are saying 'we were going to stay here, but now that the bore baths closed we're just going to pass through'.

""It's a shame the publicity on Landline and in magazines is all wasted." 

Walgett Shire Council says they are currently undergoing a tendering process for the construction of new evaporation ponds and pipework in order to get the bore baths up and running again.

A spokesperson from council said there is potential for the bore baths re-open to later this year, however it is difficult to lock in a firm timeline.

"It remains a high priority for Council and we’ll keep the community updated as soon as we know more.

"It will become clearer once the tender process is finished and we have a contractor ready to go," the spokesperson said.

The Walgett bore baths are temporarily closed. IMAGE: Walgett Shire Council.

The Walgett Bore Baths are also temporarily closed due to leaks in the pipes.

Since Walgett Swimming Pool and Walgett Bore Bath piping configuration means both facilities cannot operate at the same time, Council will also be looking at a major redevelopment for the bore baths.

Neither bore baths site has a confirmed dates for reopening.