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The '''2000s drought''' in Australia is the worst since settlement. This drought began in 1995 and continued until late 2009.<ref>{{cite web|title=Briefing Book 42nd Parliament <!-- BOT GENERATED TITLE -->|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/library/Pubs/BriefingBook42p/13Economics-OtherKeyIssues/AustDrought.htm|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k4GYQlaE|archivedate=2009-09-25|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>
The '''2000s drought''' in Australia is the worst since settlement. The drought began in 1995 and continued Australia wide until late 2009 with the final areas in drought ceasing to be elligible in early May 2012.<ref>{{cite web|title=Briefing Book 42nd Parliament <!-- BOT GENERATED TITLE -->|url=http://www.aph.gov.au/library/Pubs/BriefingBook42p/13Economics-OtherKeyIssues/AustDrought.htm|work=|archiveurl=http://www.webcitation.org/5k4GYQlaE|archivedate=2009-09-25|deadurl=no|accessdate=2009-09-23}}</ref>.<ref>http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/its-official-australia-no-longer-in-drought-20120427-1xpsp.html</ref> With the official end of the drought declared in 2012, the Federal Government had provided $4.5 billion in drought assistance.<ref>http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/minister-declares-end-of-drought-20120427-1xpgi.html</ref>

==Drought definition in Australia==
{{Main|Drought in Australia}}
Drought in Australia is defined as rainfall over a three month period being in the lowest [[decile]] of what has been recorded for that region in the past.<ref name="BOMGlossaryDrought">{{cite web | year = 2006
| url = http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/glossary/drought.shtml | title = Drought | work = Climate Glossary | publisher = [[Bureau of Meteorology (Australia)|Bureau of Meteorology]] | accessdate = 2006-11-13}}</ref> This definition takes into account that [[drought]] is a relative term and rainfall deficiencies need to be compared to typical rainfall patterns including seasonal variations. Specifically drought in [[Australia]] is defined in relation to a rainfall deficiency of [[pastoral lease]]s and is determined by decile analysis applied to a certain area.<ref>Tapper, Nigel. & Hurry, Lynn. (1993) ''Australia's Weather Patterns: An Introductory Guide''. Pages 51 -57. Dellasta. ISBN 1-875627-14-6</ref>

==Prelude to drought==
Beginning in the second half of 1991, a very severe drought occurred throughout [[Queensland]] which intensified in 1994 and 1995 to become the worst on record.<ref>Rankin, Robert. (1992) Secrets of the Scenic Rim. Rankin Publishers ISBN 0-9592418-3-3 (page 151)</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Collie |first=Gordon |title=Worst drought of century cripples farmers |newspaper=[[The Courier-Mail]] |page=14 |date=26 August 1995}}</ref>

By October 1994, part of the upper [[Darling River]] system had collapsed and the [[Condamine River]] had reverted to a series of ponds. Across the state 40% of Queensland was drought declared.<ref name="multipledry">Collie, Gordon. ''Dry tears of despair''. [[The Courier-Mail]]. p. 29. 22 October 1994.</ref> From July to August 1995 the drought was further influenced by a strong [[El Nino]] weather pattern associated with high temperatures. According to Primary Industries Minister, Ed Casey, "the drought affected region stretched in a 200&nbsp;km to 300&nbsp;km wide strip from [[Stanthorpe, Queensland|Stanthorpe]] to [[Charters Towers, Queensland|Charters Towers]]".<ref name="multiplewater">Collie, Gordon. ''Water crisis threatens towns''. [[The Courier Mail]] p. 3. 3 June 1995</ref> So few [[wheat]] and [[barley]] crops survived, about half the usual for that year, that grains had to be imported from other states.<ref>{{cite news |last=Coleman |first= Matthew |title=Crops worth $50m lost |news=[[The Courier-Mail]] |date=30 August 1995}}</ref>
==1995&mdash;2007==
[[Image:Fields outside benambra.jpg|300px|thumb|Drought-affected fields in the [[Victoria, Australia|Victorian]] countryside]]

By 1995 the drought had spread to many parts of Australia and by 2003 was recognised as the worst on record.<ref name="worst">{{cite news|url=http://www.abc.net.au/rural/news/stories/s938242.htm|title=Rural News 03/09/2003: Worst drought on record|publisher=[[Australian Broadcasting Corporation|ABC]]|date=3 September 2003|accessdate=2006-11-17}}</ref> In 2006, the late-winter to mid-spring rainfalls failed. The average rainfall in the state of South Australia was the lowest since [[1900 in Australia|1900]]. Across Victoria and the [[Murray-Darling Basin]] the season was the second driest since 1900. While New South Wales' rainfall was boosted by above normal falls along the [[North Coast, New South Wales|north coast of the state]], the state's average rainfall for the season was the third lowest since 1900. The situation was exacerbated by temperatures being the highest on record since the 1950s.<ref name = "droughtstatemeentNov06">{{cite news | url= http://www.bom.gov.au/announcements/media_releases/climate/drought/20061103.shtml | title= Statement on Drought for the 3, 6, and 10-month periods ending 31 October 2006 - Drought intensifies over eastern and southern Australia as spring rains fail | work= Drought Statements | publisher= National Climate Centre, [[Bureau of Meteorology (Australia)|Bureau of Meteorciology]] | date= 2006-11-03 | accessdate=2006-11-13}}</ref><ref>[http://www.lilith-ezine.com/articles/environmental/Australian-Drought.html Australian Drought and Climate Change], retrieved on 7 June 2007.</ref>

Most Australian mainland capital cities faced a major water crisis with less than 50% of water storages remaining. For example, Melbourne had rain up to 90% below the average for September and October 2006, compounding the problem of extremely low rainfall from the preceding winter months.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}} Melbourne had also experienced high temperatures throughout October causing increased [[evaporation]] of water in dams and reservoirs, which resulted in their levels falling by around 0.1% a day. As a result of all these factors [[Melbourne]] was put on tight [[Outdoor water-use restriction|water restriction]]s and as of July 2009, water levels in its dams are at a mere 27% of capacity.<ref>http://www.conservewater.melbournewater.com.au/content/storage.asp</ref>

Agricultural production was severely affected. Australia's [[cotton]] production had dropped, with the smallest area planted in 20 years, a 66% reduction compared to five years earlier which was considered a "normal" year. The crop had been half its usual size for three of the previous five years. [[Irrigation in Australia#Production|Water use by the industry]] fell by 37% between 2000/01 and 2004/05, due mainly to the drought.<ref>ABS Water Account Australia 2004/05 figures quoted by Water and Cotton Fact Sheet of 13 February 2007 retrieved 5 March 2007 from [http://www.cottonaustralia.com.au/news/DisplayNews.aspx?id=365&NewsCategoryID=1 Cotton Australia]</ref> In the order of 20 cotton communities and 10,000&nbsp;people directly employed by the cotton industry are impacted by the drought. The main areas affected were in New South Wales: [[Menindee, New South Wales|Menindee]] where the area under production has reduced by 100%, [[Bourke, New South Wales|Bourke]] has reduced the area under production by 99%, [[Walgett, New South Wales|Walgett]] has reduced the area under production by 95%, the [[Macquarie River]] has reduced the area under production by 74% and the [[Gwydir River]] has reduced the area under production by 60%. In Queensland the worse affected areas are [[Biloela, Queensland|Biloela]] which has reduced the area under production by 100%, at [[Dirranbandi, Queensland|Dirranbandi]] there has been a 91% reduction, [[Central Queensland|Central Highlands]] has reduced the area under production by 82% and [[Darling Downs]] has reduced the area under production by 78%. Bourke has only had adequate water for one cotton crop in the last five years.<ref>Water and Cotton Fact Sheet of 13 February 2007 retrieved 5 March 2007 from [http://www.cottonaustralia.com.au/news/DisplayNews.aspx?id=365&NewsCategoryID=1 Cotton Australia]</ref> Stock feed was also becoming scarce and farmers are finding it difficult to feed cattle and sheep.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}} Dairy producers were hit particularly hard by the drought with 2004 a particularly bleak year in the sector, as a drought-caused drop in production sent revenue in the industry down by 4.5%.<ref>[http://www.smartcompany.com.au/Premium-Articles/Industry-Trends/Dairy-farmers-face-tough-times071025.html Dairy farmers face tough times<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref>

===Response to the ongoing drought===
[[File:Port Stanvac Desalination Plant P1000725.jpg|300px]|thumb| Port Stanvac Desalination Plant]]
Australia had previously relied solely on water from dams for agriculture and consumption.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}} The drought changed the way Australia treated its [[water resources]]. Because of the long-term effects of the drought now showing, many [[States and territories of Australia|state]] governments attempted to "drought-proof" their states with more permanent solutions such as [[greywater|grey-water water-recycling]], government [[rebate]]s for home-owners to install [[water tank]]s, and tougher restrictions on industries. The citizens of Toowoomba voted on, and rejected, a [[referendum]] on using recycled [[sewage|sewerage]] water. However, after the referendum, Toowoomba began using recycled sewerage water as no other feasible water supply was available.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}} Brisbane organised to be supplied via larger dams, a pipeline and possibly also recycling. A desalination project was initiated on the [[Gold Coast, Queensland|Gold Coast]], Queensland, but plans for a similar project in [[Sydney]] were halted after public opposition and the discovery of new underground [[aquifer]]s. In November 2006 [[Perth, Western Australia|Perth]] completed a seawater [[desalination]] plant that will supply the city with 17% of its needs.<ref>[http://www.watercorporation.com.au/D/desalination.cfm Perth Seawater Desalination Plant<!-- Bot generated title -->]</ref> Likewise, the Victorian Government also began building one of the world's largest desalination plants. When complete, it would be capable of producing up to a third of Melbourne's water needs.<ref>http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/programs/desalination</ref> In South Australia work on a small pilot desalination plant at [[Port Stanvac, South Australia|Port Stanvac]], costing $10 million and with a capacity of 100,000 litres per day, commenced in January 2008, <ref name="Roberts" /> and was completed on 4 August 2008. <ref>[http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/story/0,22606,24125761-5006301,00.html Port Stanvac desalination pilot plant up and running] ''AdelaideNow'', 4 July 2008. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref> In 2007 the Federal Government pledged to contribute funds and construction began on a $1.1 Billion 50Gl ([[gigalitre]]s) desalination plant. In June 2009 the South Australian Government announced that the plant's annual output was to be doubled from 50Gl to 100Gl, approximately 270Ml ([[megalitre]]s) per day,<ref>[http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2009/06/28/2610554.htm?site=news Acciona back to expand Adelaide desalination] ''ABC News'', 28 June 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref> providing up to 50% of Adelaide's domestic water supply.<ref name="Premcab1">''[http://www.premier.sa.gov.au/news.php?id=4905 100Gl desalination expansion in Public Works today]'' Department of Premier & Cabinet, News release 9 June 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2011.</ref>

==2007&mdash;2008==
[[Image:Riverina Sheep (during drought).jpg|thumb|right|Dry paddocks in the [[Riverina]] region during 2007]]


==See also==
==See also==

Revision as of 11:23, 3 May 2012

The 2000s drought in Australia is the worst since settlement. The drought began in 1995 and continued Australia wide until late 2009 with the final areas in drought ceasing to be elligible in early May 2012.[1].[2] With the official end of the drought declared in 2012, the Federal Government had provided $4.5 billion in drought assistance.[3]

Drought definition in Australia

Main article: Drought in Australia

Drought in Australia is defined as rainfall over a three month period being in the lowest decile of what has been recorded for that region in the past.[4] This definition takes into account that drought is a relative term and rainfall deficiencies need to be compared to typical rainfall patterns including seasonal variations. Specifically drought in Australia is defined in relation to a rainfall deficiency of pastoral leases and is determined by decile analysis applied to a certain area.[5]

Prelude to drought

Beginning in the second half of 1991, a very severe drought occurred throughout Queensland which intensified in 1994 and 1995 to become the worst on record.[6][7]

By October 1994, part of the upper Darling River system had collapsed and the Condamine River had reverted to a series of ponds. Across the state 40% of Queensland was drought declared.[8] From July to August 1995 the drought was further influenced by a strong El Nino weather pattern associated with high temperatures. According to Primary Industries Minister, Ed Casey, "the drought affected region stretched in a 200 km to 300 km wide strip from Stanthorpe to Charters Towers".[9] So few wheat and barley crops survived, about half the usual for that year, that grains had to be imported from other states.[10]

1995—2007

Drought-affected fields in the Victorian countryside

By 1995 the drought had spread to many parts of Australia and by 2003 was recognised as the worst on record.[11] In 2006, the late-winter to mid-spring rainfalls failed. The average rainfall in the state of South Australia was the lowest since 1900. Across Victoria and the Murray-Darling Basin the season was the second driest since 1900. While New South Wales' rainfall was boosted by above normal falls along the north coast of the state, the state's average rainfall for the season was the third lowest since 1900. The situation was exacerbated by temperatures being the highest on record since the 1950s.[12][13]

Most Australian mainland capital cities faced a major water crisis with less than 50% of water storages remaining. For example, Melbourne had rain up to 90% below the average for September and October 2006, compounding the problem of extremely low rainfall from the preceding winter months.[citation needed] Melbourne had also experienced high temperatures throughout October causing increased evaporation of water in dams and reservoirs, which resulted in their levels falling by around 0.1% a day. As a result of all these factors Melbourne was put on tight water restrictions and as of July 2009, water levels in its dams are at a mere 27% of capacity.[14]

Agricultural production was severely affected. Australia's cotton production had dropped, with the smallest area planted in 20 years, a 66% reduction compared to five years earlier which was considered a "normal" year. The crop had been half its usual size for three of the previous five years. Water use by the industry fell by 37% between 2000/01 and 2004/05, due mainly to the drought.[15] In the order of 20 cotton communities and 10,000 people directly employed by the cotton industry are impacted by the drought. The main areas affected were in New South Wales: Menindee where the area under production has reduced by 100%, Bourke has reduced the area under production by 99%, Walgett has reduced the area under production by 95%, the Macquarie River has reduced the area under production by 74% and the Gwydir River has reduced the area under production by 60%. In Queensland the worse affected areas are Biloela which has reduced the area under production by 100%, at Dirranbandi there has been a 91% reduction, Central Highlands has reduced the area under production by 82% and Darling Downs has reduced the area under production by 78%. Bourke has only had adequate water for one cotton crop in the last five years.[16] Stock feed was also becoming scarce and farmers are finding it difficult to feed cattle and sheep.[citation needed] Dairy producers were hit particularly hard by the drought with 2004 a particularly bleak year in the sector, as a drought-caused drop in production sent revenue in the industry down by 4.5%.[17]

Response to the ongoing drought

Port Stanvac Desalination Plant

Australia had previously relied solely on water from dams for agriculture and consumption.[citation needed] The drought changed the way Australia treated its water resources. Because of the long-term effects of the drought now showing, many state governments attempted to "drought-proof" their states with more permanent solutions such as grey-water water-recycling, government rebates for home-owners to install water tanks, and tougher restrictions on industries. The citizens of Toowoomba voted on, and rejected, a referendum on using recycled sewerage water. However, after the referendum, Toowoomba began using recycled sewerage water as no other feasible water supply was available.[citation needed] Brisbane organised to be supplied via larger dams, a pipeline and possibly also recycling. A desalination project was initiated on the Gold Coast, Queensland, but plans for a similar project in Sydney were halted after public opposition and the discovery of new underground aquifers. In November 2006 Perth completed a seawater desalination plant that will supply the city with 17% of its needs.[18] Likewise, the Victorian Government also began building one of the world's largest desalination plants. When complete, it would be capable of producing up to a third of Melbourne's water needs.[19] In South Australia work on a small pilot desalination plant at Port Stanvac, costing $10 million and with a capacity of 100,000 litres per day, commenced in January 2008, [20] and was completed on 4 August 2008. [21] In 2007 the Federal Government pledged to contribute funds and construction began on a $1.1 Billion 50Gl (gigalitres) desalination plant. In June 2009 the South Australian Government announced that the plant's annual output was to be doubled from 50Gl to 100Gl, approximately 270Ml (megalitres) per day,[22] providing up to 50% of Adelaide's domestic water supply.[23]

2007—2008

Dry paddocks in the Riverina region during 2007

See also

References

  1. ^ "Briefing Book 42nd Parliament". Archived from the original on 2009-09-25. Retrieved 2009-09-23. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  2. ^ http://www.brisbanetimes.com.au/environment/weather/its-official-australia-no-longer-in-drought-20120427-1xpsp.html
  3. ^ http://news.theage.com.au/breaking-news-national/minister-declares-end-of-drought-20120427-1xpgi.html
  4. ^ "Drought". Climate Glossary. Bureau of Meteorology. 2006. Retrieved 2006-11-13.
  5. ^ Tapper, Nigel. & Hurry, Lynn. (1993) Australia's Weather Patterns: An Introductory Guide. Pages 51 -57. Dellasta. ISBN 1-875627-14-6
  6. ^ Rankin, Robert. (1992) Secrets of the Scenic Rim. Rankin Publishers ISBN 0-9592418-3-3 (page 151)
  7. ^ Collie, Gordon (26 August 1995). "Worst drought of century cripples farmers". The Courier-Mail. p. 14.
  8. ^ Collie, Gordon. Dry tears of despair. The Courier-Mail. p. 29. 22 October 1994.
  9. ^ Collie, Gordon. Water crisis threatens towns. The Courier Mail p. 3. 3 June 1995
  10. ^ Coleman, Matthew (30 August 1995). "Crops worth $50m lost". {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |news= ignored (|newspaper= suggested) (help)
  11. ^ "Rural News 03/09/2003: Worst drought on record". ABC. 3 September 2003. Retrieved 2006-11-17.
  12. ^ "Statement on Drought for the 3, 6, and 10-month periods ending 31 October 2006 - Drought intensifies over eastern and southern Australia as spring rains fail". Drought Statements. National Climate Centre, Bureau of Meteorciology. 2006-11-03. Retrieved 2006-11-13.
  13. ^ Australian Drought and Climate Change, retrieved on 7 June 2007.
  14. ^ http://www.conservewater.melbournewater.com.au/content/storage.asp
  15. ^ ABS Water Account Australia 2004/05 figures quoted by Water and Cotton Fact Sheet of 13 February 2007 retrieved 5 March 2007 from Cotton Australia
  16. ^ Water and Cotton Fact Sheet of 13 February 2007 retrieved 5 March 2007 from Cotton Australia
  17. ^ Dairy farmers face tough times
  18. ^ Perth Seawater Desalination Plant
  19. ^ http://www.ourwater.vic.gov.au/programs/desalination
  20. ^ Cite error: The named reference Roberts was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  21. ^ Port Stanvac desalination pilot plant up and running AdelaideNow, 4 July 2008. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  22. ^ Acciona back to expand Adelaide desalination ABC News, 28 June 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
  23. ^ 100Gl desalination expansion in Public Works today Department of Premier & Cabinet, News release 9 June 2009. Retrieved 25 August 2011.
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