I can understand why you wouldn't want to rent in Emerald, prices are pretty high up there! BUT, after the flood, you might be able to find something that is a short term rental, so you could then get out sooner if you find something over in Springsure. Coming over here (Btown) would be even more insane with the average rental in town being $750 per week, plus you want to stay away from here too don't you? I would suggest Comet, but finding rental there would be worse than Springsure, plus you would have to travel to take DD to school everyday Actually, i think they have a school at Comet? Handful of students so plenty of one on one attention there. I think you would have an easier time buying some land around Comet then renting there..
Does Nathan have a workmate who has their MR/HR licence and would help out for a weekend, throw in some beer, a bbq or something similiar when you are settled in to say thankyou maybe?
Another option could be to ring some real estate agents in Emerald,& Blackwater and see if they deal with rentals in Springsure. Ask them to take your details down just in case someone comes in with a rental?? Also what about Housing Qld (Housing Commission?) I'm sure they have places in Springsure. as to if there are any available or not? i don't know?
Does the minesite have their own rentals out there? Sometimes they will hand out short term accommodation of 6-12 months. Though I think it is more for the management/OCE types..but worth a try, and you never know, a friendly chat with an office girl might give you some helpful info. There is always someone who has a house to rent in these towns that never make it past a friendly chat in the street to a real estate agent.
Get Nathan to put a notice up on the board at work.
And finally, I will try my hardest to get out tomorrow and get the Emerald paper and see if there are any Springsure rentals listed in there for you :)