DROUGHT SITUATION REPORT
MARCH 1999
During March the Shires of Kilkivan
(1/3/99), Emerald, Peak Downs, Belyando (15/3/99), Mount Morgan (4/1/99), Duaringa,
Livingstone and Fitzroy (1/4/99) were revoked from the Queensland Drought list.
At the end of March 1999, 5 shires
and 2 part shires remain drought declared along with 83 Individually Droughted
Properties (IDPs) in 16 other shires. These declarations represent about three
percent of the land area of the State or 3,533 out of the 55,545 Department
of Primary Industries registered livestock enterprises.
REGIONAL SUMMARIES
North Region: The North coastal areas
experienced heavy rainfall during March. There was good rainfall on the Atherton
Tablelands and in the Gulf region. The grazing areas continue to enjoy excellent
seasonal conditions. There was limited run-off in several areas, which can be
attributed to catchment condition and low intensive rainfall. This may result
in water supply concerns later in the year. Cropping and horticulture on the
wet tropical coast continues to be plagued by extremely wet conditions.
West Region:
Generally the region is in the best
condition for many years. Pastures are plentiful and stock are in excellent
condition. The central west areas of Longreach, Blackall, Tambo and Charleville
are particularly excellent. Areas of concern include some areas in Richmond
Shire, the western potion of Boulia Shire and much of the far SouthWest.
Central Region:
Above average rainfalls were received
in north-eastern parts of the region during the month, while most other areas
of the region received average to below average rainfall. Stock and pasture
condition are excellent for the time of year. Full soil profiles in most areas
suggest good prospects for the winter crop.
South-East Region:
The month of March has been drier
than expected in many parts of the region. The Bundaberg area experienced lower
than average rainfall in comparison to areas north and south of the district.
Gayndah and Mundubbera Shires also had a dry month. Generally the season has
been good for the majority of the region and most drought declared Shires have
now received useful rainfall.
South Region:
Heavy rain fell in southern parts
of the region early in the month with falls reaching 200mm. Pasture condition
in most areas of the region is reasonable, although in some of the western areas,
pastures have hayed off considerably. Crop production has also benefited from
the excellent summer rain.
LIVESTOCK AND PASTURES
North Region:
Generally stock are in good condition
and should have no problems with winter. Pasture condition is exceptional in
most areas and water supplies are sufficient.
West Region:
The Richmond area has experienced
a patchy season with many properties receiving less than average rainfall to
date. Consequently, winter feed will not be sufficient unless stock numbers
are reduced. Many properties in the Corfield area are also dry and feed is limited.
The area west of Boulia continues to experience a below average season. The
majority of the Central West remains in excellent condition. The Cunnamulla
area is deteriorating rapidly, with Mulga pushing and supplementation commencing
on some properties. Dry areas also exist south of McKinlay, however, stock remain
in good condition.
Central Region:
Livestock condition is good throughout
the region. Pasture has hayed off in most areas, however recent rain has boosted
quality. Pasture availability is good and should provide sufficient feed reserves
for winter.
South-East Region:
Quality and quantity of pasture in
general is very good. Stock condition across the region ranges from good to
excellent. Current conditions will provide an excellent start to winter. Stock
have lost condition in some of the coastal areas as pastures have become overgrown
and rank. There are some isolated areas that have missed out on good rainfall
and the quantity of pasture is less than hoped for. Pastures in the Gayndah
and Mundubbera Shires and south of Monto have dried off markedly.
South Region:
The hot, wet weather has encouraged
summer pasture growth and resulted in continued livestock production. The quality
of the pasture has been maintained in most parts of the region and most areas
should have adequate feed supplies for the winter period.
CROPPING AND HORTICULTURE
North Region:
On the wet tropical coast there has
been little respite since Cyclone Rona with heavy rain occurring during March.
All of the major commodities commenced planting in the Bowen/Burdekin district.
On the Atherton Tablelands and Mareeba district, the heavy rain has interrupted
cropping activities such as harvesting, weeding and spraying. Rain has caused
damage to tobacco seed-beds and soil loss in cultivated land. There has been
little respite for sugar cane from heavy rain since Cyclone Rona. Opportunities
for planting have been few and far between, and it seems unlikely that much
can be achieved before May.
Central Region:
The Dawson/Callide districts experienced
good rain at the start of the month, creating some difficulty with harvesting.
Late sorghum and mungbean crops were affected, with loss of quality in some
mung bean crops. Rainfall over the past month in most areas except the Central
Highlands has ensured that there is a full profile of soil moisture for winter
crop plantings. The cotton harvest around Emerald has progressed well after
a poor start due to wet weather and most growers will finish picking this week.
Prospects are good for the winter crop.
South-East Region:
Rainfall in most of the cropping areas
has been excellent however there was major damage to crops along watercourses
from flooding in February. Generally for crops out of flood areas the rain was
welcome. Rainfall in the North Burnett has been low and further rain would be
beneficial to finish off later crops. In the Bundaberg district vegetable crops
such as cabbage and lettuce were badly affected by the wet weather. At Gayndah
the outlook for citrus is good with rainfall reducing the need to irrigate.
South Region:
Harvesting of sorghum, sunflower and
mungbean crops has been under way with many producers pleased with yields and
quality. Locust numbers are rising in some areas causing concern amongst producers.
Consequently, these areas are being closely monitored for population explosions.
On the Granite Belt apple quality was affected by the mild weather at flower
set although most of the crop has now been harvested. The wet weather earlier
in the month affected the grape harvest, which is now drawing to an end.
RAINFALL
North Region:
Heavy rainfall occurred along the
wet tropical coast from Ingham to Cooktown and in the Gulf region. Atherton
received 341mm, Babinda 1904mm, Innisfail 1144mm, Tully 1349mm, Cairns 915mm,
Townsville 136mm, Bowen 121mm, Charters Towers 80mm, Herberton 374mm, Malanda
710mm, Croydon 152 and Georgetown 38mm.
West Region:
There was patchy storm activity through
the region. East of Richmond received some badly needed rain during March. Blackall
recorded 91mm, Barcaldine 73mm, Charleville 104mm, Cunnamulla 19mm, Birdsville
24mm, Boulia 1mm, Windorah 100mm, Longreach 130mm, Muttaburra 101mm, Winton
77mm, Hughenden 64mm, Cloncurry 178mm and Mt Isa 113mm.
Central Region: There were good widespread
rainfalls in early March. Alpha recorded 41mm, Blackwater 40mm, Clermont 76mm,
Springsure 65mm, Mackay 393mm, Proserpine 349mm, Rockhampton 33mm, Banana 98mm,
Biloela 110mm, Theodore 52mm, Miriam Vale 62mm and Gladstone 64mm.
South-East Region:
Generally rainfall during the month
has been low in the northern areas of the South-East region. Eidsvold recorded
22mm, Gayndah 39mm, Gympie 144mm, Mundubbera 22mm, Esk 116mm, Kingaroy 51mm,
Proston 40mm, Nanango 60mm, Gatton 93mm and Beaudesert 179mm. On the coastal
fringe Bundaberg received 71mm, Nambour 369mm and Maryborough 135mm.
South Region: Much of the Region received
useful rainfall. Dalby recorded 62mm, Bell 68mm, Oakey 89mm, Jondaryan 100mm,
Toowoomba 103mm, Inglewood 154mm, Pittsworth 97mm, Clifton 121mm, Warwick 163mm,
Stanthorpe 137mm, Roma 126mm, Goondiwindi 153mm and St George 119mm.
WATER STORAGE/SUPPLIES
North Region:
Some surface water supplies are low
in the Georgetown district and the southern portion of the Dalrymple Shire.
In the Normanton area the water supplies are adequate with most creeks flowing
and surface water supplies replenished. Surface water could possibly be in short
supply in the Croydon Shire later on in the year due to the lack of runoff.
Water supplies are abundant in Townsville district. Burdekin and Tinaroo Dams
are at 100 percent capacity.
West Region:
There are adequate water supplies
throughout the region. Minor to moderate levels of flooding have occurred in
many regional water courses, replenishing surface water supplies.
Central Region:
There have been good stream flows
in many parts of the region in recent months that have produced healthy surface
water storages. Groundwater in most districts has made modest recovery, except
in coastal areas where some reasonable gains have been recorded. Mackay in particular
has had good groundwater recharge.
South-East Region:
Surface water in all districts is
now the best for many years with exceptions being some areas north of Monto
and on some heavier soils in southern parts. Major flows in all watercourses
in southern areas of the region have contributed to some aquifer recharge. In
the Lockyer Valley it is expected that bores closer to watercourses may experience
some recharge but continued rain over a long period is needed. In the North
Burnett Wuruma and Cania Dams are still at low levels despite recent inflows
and their low capacities remain a concern. Underground water is still deficient
in some parts of Kilkivan Shire. All streams and rivers in the Cooloola, Kilkivan
and southern coastal shires had significant runs last month and still carry
adequate water. There has not been significant runoff in catchments to the north
of Maryborough.
South Region:
Major surface water storages have
been supplemented by good runoff. Streamflow totals were above average throughout
the Condamine-Balonne and McIntyre catchments during March. Groundwater levels
in alluvial and sandstone aquifers remain relatively stable despite increased
irrigation demand. Some recharge was recorded in the basalt aquifers in upland
areas. Stock and domestic supplies from groundwater resources remain secure.
OUTLOOK
A La Nina pattern continues in the
Pacific Ocean in a slightly weakened form. The average SOI over the last 30
days (as at & April) was +8.9. The probabilities of exceeding median rainfall
during the April to June period are normal for most of the State, except for
coastal districts south of St Lawrence and parts of central and central west
Queensland where they are 60-80%.
The current seasonal outlook is indicating
increased activity of sorghum ergot, particularly in late planted crops in the
Central Highlands; increased leaf diseases summer crops; and rain may interfere
with cotton harvesting. Burning stubble before planting this year's crop may
be necessary to control yellow spot.
This summer heavy rainfall has tended
to occur in some districts around the passage of the 30-50 day Oscillation.
The next one is due about the end of the first week of April.
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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