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Drought situation reports (Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation)

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Situation as at 31 December 2011

Outlook

From the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence:

The Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation refers to the monthly climate statement provided by the Queensland Climate Change Centre of Excellence (the Centre) for guidance on the current seasonal climate outlook situation for Queensland. The Centre considers that the probability of above median rainfall for the remainder of summer (from January to March 2012) is higher than normal for most of Queensland. The Centre's view, which is based on a comparison of historical rainfall records and climate indices, is also supported by a range of evidence provided by national and international climate agencies.

State drought declarations

As at 31 December 2011, there are no local government areas or Individually Droughted Properties (IDPs) drought declared under the State processes.

Commonwealth/State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) have been activated for 65 communities within Queensland affected by heavy rainfall and associated flooding, November 2010-February 2011; for 24 communities within Queensland affected by Severe Tropical Cyclone Yasi 2 February 2011; for 13 communities affected by heavy rainfall and associated flooding 28 February 2011; for two communities in South West Queensland affected by heavy rainfall and associated flooding, April 2011; for one community within Queensland affected by bushfires August to October 2011; and for four communities within Queensland affected by heavy rainfall and associated flooding, November-December 2011.

Rainfall and temperatures

North Queensland: Rainfall across the region was near to above average in coastal parts, nearby inland regions and across Cape York Peninsula. Further inland on parts of the downs country across into the gulf and into the forest country of Georgetown and Croydon, falls were up to 50mm below the long term average. Temperatures, while hot, were within normal ranges with some days reaching into the high 30s and 40s. Babinda received 378mm (331), Cairns A/P 190mm (n/a), Charters Towers 189mm (n/a), Georgetown 96mm (n/a), Ingham 254mm (217), Innisfail 360mm (n/a), Proserpine A/P 79mm (n/a) Townsville 180mm (148), (figure in brackets indicates average)

Central Queensland: Most of the region is starting to dry out following warmer weather, although temperatures have been generally below average to average for the month. Coastal country needs rain to provide some quality pasture growth for calving breeders. Alpha recorded 74mm (85), Clermont 99 mm (101), Springsure 148mm (107), Mackay 161mm (197), Yaamba 161mm (131), Mt Larcom 87mm (150), Gladstone 106mm (140), Theodore 153mm (102), Yeppoon 138mm (n/a). (figure in brackets indicates average)

Western Queensland: In the north a monsoonal build up was responsible for storm rains and to the south a series of storms associated with frontal and trough systems caused rain, with most centres across the west receiving at least some rain. Due to the nature of storm rain not all properties have recorded falls but the majority have reported some rain. Major flooding occurred in the Flinders River isolating properties to the north of Richmond and Hughenden for a period.  Minor flooding along the Hamilton, Diamantina, Bulloo and Warrego Rivers and some tributaries led to some levels of isolation and inconvenience to travelling and transport during the month. Mt Isa 202mm (62) Boulia 43mm (28) Windorah 75mm (27), Longreach 81mm (51), Muttaburra 97mm (59), Winton 41mm (51), Birdsville AP n/a (17), and Charleville 119mm (53). (figure in brackets indicates average)

South-East Queensland: Rainfall for December was around average for most centres. Most of the rainfall was recorded early in the month with temperatures varying from hot to mild. The cool dry conditions have generally not promoted a great deal of pasture or crop growth. Esk 119mm (111), Biggenden 175mm (130), Nambour 285mm (n/a) Boonah n/a (121), Gatton 148mm (105), Maleny 329mm (200), Tewantin 267mm (n/a) ) Eidsvold 123mm (86), Gayndah n/a (112), Mundubbera 164mm (100), Kilkivan 150mm (124), Kingaroy 107mm (n/a), Nanango 135mm (108), Proston 174mm (108), Bundaberg 210mm (138), Maryborough 290mm (134). (figure in brackets indicates average)

Southern Queensland: Summer conditions have been cool and wet. Significant rainfall was recorded in the Roma to Mungallala districts, as well as Nindigully, Goondiwindi, Wallumbilla and the eastern Darling Downs areas. A major flood level was recorded on the Maranoa River during the month and flash flooding was reported at Roma. Clifton recorded 135mm (109), Dalby 64mm (n/a), Goondiwind 180mm (n/a), Inglewood 69mm (86), Oakey 43mm (93), Pittsworth 113mm (104), Stanthorpe 81mm (95), Toowoomba AP 126mm (n/a), Warwick 66mm (n/a), Miles 102mm (n/a), St George A/P 78mm (n/a), Taroom 96mm (104). (figure in brackets indicates average)

Livestock, pastures and water

North Queensland: Livestock are in good condition overall but there are isolated pockets where seasonal conditions have not been as favourable and therefore this reflects on pasture quality, quantity and subsequent stock condition. Overall rainfall has been reasonably widespread generally providing a good start to the season. It appears soil moisture levels remain high from the extended 2010-11 wet season and minimal rain is delivering a good pasture response in many areas.

Central Queensland: Livestock are generally in fair to good condition although some breeders with calves are starting to slip in condition. Most places have adequate pasture although burnt out country generally remains bare. There are no reports of water shortages.

Western Queensland: In the north west pasture conditions are generally reasonable to good through the central northern area with the exception of parts of the Julia Creek and Kynuna areas. Most properties have generally had sufficient storm rain to develop at least some pasture response and this has led to an improvement in stock condition. However storm rains for many have only provided relief rain and not a wet season rain event. Across the central west good rain in the eastern areas, particularly in the Jericho and Aramac areas which experienced fires in September and October, has produced good pasture response. Generally pastures in the south west are in good condition, however, they do range from exceptional to recovering from being in poor condition, depending on the rainfall received. Stock range from poor to good condition and are generally improving in condition with the higher quality pastures. The patchy rain has provided limited runoff into dams in some areas only. There have been some concerns reported with dam water from some producers in the southern part of the McKinlay, Richmond, Winton, Longreach and the eastern Paroo shires where some property dams remain at less than half capacity. 

South East Queensland: Pastures have generally recovered from the dry conditions experienced in November. Although rainfall was average in most centres there have been individual areas that have missed out on rainfall and are much drier than the remainder of the region. Livestock remain in good condition despite the variable weather conditions.

Southern Queensland: Pastures and stock benefitted from the November and December rainfall and stock generally are in strong condition. The need to supplementary feed has declined with the improvement in feed supplies.

Cropping and horticulture

North Queensland: On the Tablelands planted crops of peanut and maize are reported to be growing well. Soil moisture levels remain high from the extended 2010-11 wet season. Reports indicate after a long season the cane harvest finished in the north with the Burdekin district winding up just before Christmas. A record crop plus a large amount of standover cane from the 2010 crop resulted in harvesting extending beyond the normal period. The majority of the crop was harvested but a small amount of cane was left to standover in the Giru area.

Central Queensland: Very little sorghum or mungbeans were planted during spring and these crops are now needing rain. Reports indicate that less than 50 percent of a normal sorghum planting is in the ground at present with most of the crop being planted just before or just after Christmas. Irrigated cotton crops are currently looking very good and those dryland cotton crops that have been under isolated storms are also doing well.

South East Queensland: In the North and South Burnett summer crop planting has continued to be delayed due to the dry conditions and lack of significant planting rain. The projected large planting of peanuts has not occurred and the planting window is rapidly closing for this crop. Reports indicate that late planted corn crops have started to struggle in the dry conditions. There are still significant areas of cropping land that are waiting to be planted with shorter season crops such as soybeans and mungbeans. Small crop growers in the Coominya area were affected by a severe hail storm during the month and damage to greenhouses and crops was reported.

Southern Queensland: Large areas have been sown to sorghum in the region but some growers have been forced to replant crops which were submerged or washed away following heavy rain. The early December rain slowed the last of the chickpea and barley harvest in the Clifton and Warwick areas. 

Last updated 24 June 2011

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