DROUGHT SITUATION REPORT
NOVEMBER 1997
Isolated and patchy rainfall occurred across much of the
State during the month providing follow up falls or an initial break in the
season for many producers. In the Burnett and across much of the eastern Darling
Downs rainfall during the last two months has provided many property owners
with their best start to summer for many years. Many parts of Central Queensland
recorded their first useful rainfall for many months and this triggered large
scale crop planting+s across much of the central highlands. In North Queensland
storm activity produced useful rainfall in many areas, with the exception of
the Townsville/Charters Towers, Bowen/Collinsville and Burketown areas. Some
properties in these areas require rainfall desperately to = alleviate surface
water and pasture shortages. Generally much of Western Queensland continues
to enjoy an average to above average season with the exception of an area to
the west of Cunnamulla and scattered properties in the Longreach/Winton and
Hughenden/Aramac areas.
At the end of November, 21 Shires and 2 part Shires remain
drought declared along with 593 individually Drought Declared Properties = (IDP+s)
in 34 other Shires. This represents approximately 10% of the land area of the
State or 10, 976 out of the 55,545 Department of Primary Industries registered
livestock enterprises.
RAINFALL
North Region: The better rainfall totals generally occurred
along the coastal fringe during the month although isolated storms did bring
useful rainfall to some inland areas. During the month Babinda = recorded 108mm,
Innisfail 61mm, Tully 89mm, Cairns 181mm, Townsville 3mm, Bowen 1mm, Charters
Towers 4mm, Herberton 18mm, Malanda 49mm, Greenvale 83mm, Croydon 54mm and Normanton
74mm.
West Region: November produced a mixed bag in terms of
rainfall in the West Region. Some parts of the far south west received excellent
rainfall while others missed out. Across much of the Region rainfall totals
were not sufficient to generate any great level of pasture response. During
the month Quilpie received 29mm, Birdsville 25mm, Charleville 126mm, Blackall
20mm, Augathella 74mm, Longreach 2mm, = Winton 33mm, Hughenden 51mm, Richmond
2mm, Cloncurry 7mm and Mt Isa 68mm.
Central Region: Widespread rainfall occurred throughout
much of the Region during the month with useful totals recorded in many of the
= major centres. Totals for the month include Alpha 52mm, Blackwater 96mm Clermont
70mm, Emerald 55mm, Dingo 58mm, Springsure 96mm, Mackay 12mm, Marlborough 37mm,
Rockhampton 89mm, Banana 94mm, Biloela 145mm, and Gladstone 64mm.
South East Region: Very useful follow up falls occurred
across much of the Region during the month. Totals include: Eidsvold 168mm,
Gayndah 218mm, Gympie 74mm, Mundubbera 124mm, Esk 71mm, Kingaroy 77mm, Kilkivan
62mm, Murgon 76mm, Nanango 54mm, Gatton 48mm and Beaudesert 111mm. On the coastal
fringe Bundaberg received 77mm, Maryborough 66mm and = Nambour 113mm.
South Region: November continued the trend of useful storm
rain across much of the Region although some isolated areas did receive small
or inconsequential falls. Rainfall totals on the eastern Downs during the month
included: Dalby 84mm, Bell 138mm, Oakey 122mm, Jondaryan 124mm, Toowoomba 62mm,
Clifton 83mm, Warwick 110mm and Stanthorpe 108mm. In western parts, Roma received
33mm, Surat 56mm, Goondiwindi 41mm, St George 41mm, Hannaford 124mm and Inglewood
102mm.
LIVESTOCK AND PASTURES
North Region: Patchy rainfall resulting from storm activity
occurred in most Shires of the Region during the month, but very little useful
rainfall was recorded in the dry areas around Mt Coolon and to the = south of
Burketown. Stock condition varies according to the quality and quantity of remanent
pasture and degree of supplementation. Most lines of lactating females continue
to slip in condition unless they have access to a good source of protein or
are fortunate enough to be = grazing pasture freshened by rainfall. Fires continue
to be a problem in some areas of the Cape and the Gulf and rainfall is needed
urgently in these areas to generate pasture response.
West Region: Isolated storm activity produced some pasture
response in those areas that received 20mm or greater. The Charleville area
continues to enjoy an excellent season due to late Winter and Spring rainfall,
but this contrasts strongly to some areas to the south and west which continue
to decline due to lack of effective rainfall. Much of the central and north
west areas continue to experience an average = to above average season with
the exception of the majority of Flinders Shire and some properties in the Aramac
and Winton districts. Stock condition varies greatly from one area to the next
and is dependant on remaining pasture and degree of supplementation. Generally
stock are = in good to excellent condition around the Charleville area but are
in poor to fair condition in some parts on Flinders and Aramac Shires.
Central Region: Rainfall during the month has relieved
the dry conditions experienced in many areas of the Region, but exceptions =
still remain particularly in northern and coastal areas. In the areas that have
received reasonable rainfall, pasture quality and consequently stock condition
has improved. Pasture quantity is still a problem in many areas and further
rainfall is needed to produce a good body of feed. Some areas are still denuded
of feed and consequently require rainfall urgently to generate pasture response
and improve stock condition.
South East Region: The rainfall experienced across much
of the Region during October/November has generated a flush of green feed in
many districts. In most areas, follow-up rain has occurred allowing pasture
growth to continue and consequently the condition of most lines of = stock is
now being maintained in all but the driest areas. Stock sales have slowed as
most producers have reduced numbers to sustainable levels although drought feeding
is still occurring on a number of properties. If present conditions continue
and further rainfall eventuates, it = would be expected that the incidence of
drought feeding will decrease.
South Region: The excellent rainfall recorded across much
of the Region during the last two months has enabled most lines of stock to
maintain average to above average condition. The exception to this is in the
St George/Dirranbandi area where some lines of lactating females are in poor
condition due to continuing dry conditions. Conversely, the flush of recent
pasture growth experienced throughout much of the eastern Darling Downs has
resulted in a reduction in the number of forced movements to sale and agistment.
Rainfall is still needed in many = areas either to generate pasture growth or
consolidate existing growth.
CROPPING AND HORTICULTURE
North Region: In the Bowen area the mango harvest is in
full swing with perfect dry conditions resulting in good quality fruit. The
tomato and capsicum harvest is all but complete with all other small crops =
finished for the season. Generally there has been a favourable season for cropping
and horticulture in the Mareeba district and on the Atherton Tablelands. The
tobacco harvest is 75% complete and the bean harvest has finished. Severe storms
during the month resulted in significant hail damage to some tobacco and mango
crops. On the Tablelands recent rainfall has resulted in the planting of summer
crops such as peanuts and maize but many farmers are waiting for further rainfall
prior to planting. The cane crushing season is complete with most mills recording
average to above average yields.
Central Region: The recent rainfall has given farmers across
the Region renewed optimism for a good summer season. Many mixed enterprises
are currently planting forage sorghum or lablab and seed companies are taking
orders for large quantities of sorghum and sunflower seed in anticipation of
a summer crop. Accordingly the next decent rain will see quite a bit of sorghum
planted. Some of the more adventurous growers have taken a gamble and planted
sorghum on limited soil moisture. Farmers across the Region are busy controlling
weeds with most growers choosing to spray rather than cultivate their weed =
stubble. This practice will help conserve soil moisture.
South East Region: The planting of summer crops continued
this month throughout the Region with the great majority of the peanut crop
now planted. In the North Burnett substantial rainfall has enabled corn = and
sorghum to be planted. The harvest of the sugar crop in the Bundaberg and Maryborough
districts finished during the month with the = Maryborough and Childers mill+s
experiencing record yields. In the Gatton = district, wetter than expected conditions
have played havoc with lucerne growing and the potato harvest. Conversely, in
the Bundaberg district, dry conditions have prevailed with available soil moisture
at a very low level. The main concern in this area centres around irrigation
= supplies for the coming season. The announced allocation is just 15%, which
is enough to keep crops and trees alive, but not producing to their full potential
South Region: The wheat harvest was completed this month
with crops grown under zerotill conditions experiencing substantial yield advantages
to those grown under conventional methods. Frost damage appears to have been
minimal and there were reports of reasonable = barley and chickpea crops. There
has been a good start to the Summer growing season due to the recent rainfall
and accordingly there have been above average planting+s of cotton, sorghum,
sunflowers and corn. On the Granite Belt, stone fruits, grapes and apples should
go through to harvest without irrigation water problems and expectations are
for a good season for these crops this year.
WATER STORAGE/SUPPLIES
The latest Water Storage Report issued by the Department
of Natural Resources is attached for general information on water storage capacities
throughout the State.
North Region: Rainfall during the month did not result
in any major inflow into the controlled water storages of the Region, but both
Tinaroo and Burdekin Dams continue to have adequate supplies for the immediate
future. Conversely, the water levels in many stock dams, particularly in Cook
and Burke Shires, continue to decline with some producers resorting to carting
water for livestock. Ground water supplies remain variable across the Region
and are not expected to make any major recovery without a prolonged wet season.
West Region: Due to lack of sustained runoff many surface
water = supplies in the Region are in decline as would be expected at this time
of the year. Generally, most stock supplies, with the exception some surface
water supplies in the Flinders Shire, should be adequate for the immediate future.
There have been no reports of shortages in underground supplies at this stage,
but this could change if prolonged dry conditions occur. The Regions regulated
storages have adequate supplies for the immediate future.
Central Region: Rainfall during the month resulted in good
inflows into some of the water storages in the Dawson Valley, where four out
of five storages are now full. The Emerald District has had lower falls but
full allocation is still planned due to the healthy storage level in Fairbairn
Dam. Other areas are still waiting for good falls to boost water resources particularly
in coastal areas where Waterpark Creek is now at a record low as the areas around
Rockhampton continue to miss = out on good rain. Ground water reserves remain
variable throughout the Region with many supplies continuing to decline. This
trend will only be reversed by prolonged widespread rainfall.
South East Region: Rainfall during the month generated
flows in the Boyne River at Mundubbera and some of it+s tributaries. Three Moon
Creek and the upper reaches of Monal Creek at Monto have had temporary flows
but they were of no great significance. Although much of the Region has received
some good rainfall in terms of plant production, water shortages are still a
major concern for some producers. A producer in the Kilkivan area has had to
sell all his stock due to all bores on the property going dry. Similar conditions
have been reported from other areas of the Region and it is expected that this
trend will continue until a prolonged wet season eventuates.
South Region: Most stock and domestic supplies in the Region
are secure for the immediate future although there are still concerns regarding
supplies in some areas along the Great Dividing Range. Groundwater levels in
the Upper Condamine have declined recently and storage levels in the majority
of aquifer systems are still depleted. In the Border Rivers district, groundwater
levels have remained static with minor recoveries in some areas. Should dry
conditions continue prevail through the summer months, high demand areas may
face water shortages = in both underground and surface supplies.
OUTLOOK
The average SOI for November was -13.9, while the average
SOI for the = 30 days ending 2 December was -13.5. The SOI trend during October-November
was phase 1 (ie. consistently negative). Climate forecasts suggest that the
chance of obtaining +average+ rainfall = during the November-January period
are low in north-east Queensland (20-30%), but higher in most of the remainder
of the State. There is a very high probability of a late start to the wet season
in North Queensland this year.
Sea surface temperatures (SST) are continuing to warm in
the central = and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean. There is now a large pool
of cooler-than-normal water in the south-western Pacific Ocean, which is typical
of an EL Nino pattern. The approximate return period of the 30 to 50 day Oscillation
is during the fourth week in December.
Information provided by:
REGIONAL DELIVERY
Enquiries to: Ros Moloney
Primary Industries Building, 80 Ann Street, GPO Box 46, Brisbane Q 4001
Telephone: (07) 3239 3181
Facsimile: (07) 3239 3454
National Agricultural Monitoring System (NAMS)
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The National Agricultural Monitoring System (NAMS) provides current and historical climate, production, pasture and commodity information for agricultural industries at the national, state and regional scales, in user-friendly graphs and maps. NAMS is primarily designed to streamline Exceptional Circumstances drought assistance applications and assessments. NAMS can be accessed at www.nams.gov.au. This web-based tool is funded by the Australian, State and Territory governments and contains modelled analyses provided by Queensland Departments of Natural Resources & Water and Primary Industries & Fisheries. |
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