An international student whose car ended up in a crumbling sinkhole on the Gold Coast has been left with a huge bill, with the local council refusing to stump up for the damage.

Riina Haapala's Purgeot sedan was damaged beyond repair when it was swallowed by a giant sinkhole that opened up on Short Street in Southport last Thursday.

With rising bills amid cost of living pressures, Haapala had forgone comprehensive car insurance.

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She appealed to the Gold Coast City Council for assistance, but they responded that they are not legally liable for the damage under the Civil Liability Act.

"So I'm pretty much in the hands of the Council and relying on… just hoping that they… are making decisions considering my position," Haapala told 9News.

The sinkhole was caused by a water main which burst in the early hours of Thursday morning, but the council said that the water main was "well within the expected life parameters for these installations" as it was upgraded in 2004.

Consequently, the council noted that the event was out of its "knowledge and control" and they were not liable.

"I really don't understand how they cannot be liable for it," Haapala said.

As an international student on a study visa, she is only permitted to work up to 20 hours per week and so has limited means to cover the costs.

A crowdfunding campaign has been set up to assist her, and she is now appealing for her case to be reviewed.

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