Back to Main NEW DROUGHT FIGURES PAINT BLEAK PICTURE

• Published: 2009-12-17 11:02:04

  Premier Kristina Keneally will tour drought-affected NSW today and tomorrow as new
  figures show more than 80 per cent of NSW is now officially in drought, with seven more
  regions moving into drought.

  In total, more than 95 per cent of NSW is either in drought or considered marginally in
  drought.

  The last time over 80 per cent of the State was drought declared was more than two
  years ago, in November 2007.

  The latest official figures reveal 80.8 per cent of the State is now drought declared (up
  from 73.6 per cent in October), with 14.8 per cent considered marginal (down from 24.5
  per cent), while only 4.4 per cent is satisfactory (up from 1.9 per cent).

  Over the coming days, Ms Keneally will visit Armidale, Bundarra, Wyangala Dam and
  Cowra with Minister for Primary Industries & Rural Affairs Steve Whan and President of
  the NSW Farmers Association Charles Armstrong.

  “These figures paint a very bleak picture for farmers and it’s likely to get worse with this
  summer expected to be the worst in years,” Mr Whan said.

  “Rain is desperately needed over the Christmas/New Year period to replenish water
  supplies that are close to running out in many regions.

  “Conditions are so bad that I understand some honey producers in central NSW may
  have to soon resort to sugar feeding to keep bee colonies alive until autumn, while
  farmers are carting water and supplementary feeding to keep livestock alive.
   

  The NSW Government has committed more than $500 million in assistance measures
  since the drought began in 2002 and will continue to support farmers until the drought
  breaks.”

  Minister Whan said the harvest is around 95 per cent complete across the State and it was
  the earliest finish on record in many districts.

  “Low grain prices and market uncertainties have seen a large percentage of harvested
  grain either stored on farms or warehoused,” Mr Whan said.

  “Storm rainfall over the last month has been varied and patchy, with the central and
  central northern areas only receiving up to 10mm, while a small area on the mid-north
  coast flooded.

  “For example Grafton received 102 millimetres, Cowra received 50 mm, Yass received
  55 mm and Broken Hill received 16mm over the last month.

  “The total water storage level is 29.3% of total storage capacity, down 1.7% on last
  month.

  “Let’s hope the new year brings more rain and a change in fortune for our farmers, who
  have had another tough twelve months with crop failures and reduced prices due to the
  global financial crisis.”

  NEW DECLARATIONS (moved into drought)
  Central West LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to drought
  (Whole District now drought)
  Cumberland LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to drought
  Darling LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to drought
  Mid-Coast LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to drought
  New England LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to drought
  North West LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to drought
  (Whole District now drought)
  Tablelands LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to drought
  **LHPA (Livestock Health and Pest Authorities)
   

  REVOCATIONS (moved out of drought)
  Nil

  
  ALTERATIONS (moved between marginal and satisfactory)
  DECLINED (satisfactory to marginal)
  Tablelands LHPA Part of District moved from satisfactory to marginal
   

  IMPROVED (marginal to satisfactory)
  Mid-Coast LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to satisfactory
  North Coast LHPA Part of District moved from marginal to satisfactory

   

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  Supplied by Department Of Primary Industries NSW