Locals want tighter regulations on water extraction near UNESCO world heritage rainforest in the Gold Coast hinterland.

Currently, permits allow over 50 million litres of water to be extracted from bores near Springbrook National Park each year, before being sold as bottled drinking water. 

However, the Gold Coast City Council has funded a study to examine the effects of water extraction on the aquifer, while the Queensland government has imposed a ban on new commercial underground bores in the area. 

While the QUT study will be completed by June next year, concerned citizens have taken matters into their own hands. 

More details are accessible here.