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Desperate Qld bush sees rain hope evaporate
30 Sep 2003
Rainfall projections for the next three months have dashed hopes of an imminent break in the drought, which is afflicting more than two thirds of Queensland. The Queensland Centre for Climate Applications says the chance of above the median rainfall level is "relatively mediocre", with a 30 to 50 per cent chance of getting above the long-term October to December median rainfall for most of Queensland.
The projection by the centre is much less optimistic than that released by the weather bureau two weeks ago, which predicted that central and northern Queensland had a 60 to 70 per cent chance of above-median rain during the quarter.
The drought situation is not easing as we had hoped, said Queensland's Primary Industries Minister. Based on these projections it will run well into 2004.
The Queensland Government is seeking EC assistance for more than 1,400 producers - mainly sugar cane farmers - in the Mackay-Whitsunday region. They are already entitled to Queensland drought assistance but EC status from the Federal Government entitles them to welfare payments and subsidised interest on borrowings.
There are beef, pig, dairy and horticulture producers in the region and the State Government is also seeking aid on their behalf.
The Courier-Mail, 30/9/03, page 5.
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