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Drought situation reports (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)

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Drought Situation Report (Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry)

Situation as at 31 March 2012

Outlook

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry 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's Monthly Climate Statement notes that, at this time of year, the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) or other measures of ENSO are less reliable as indicators of rainfall for the upcoming autumn season. Although there are signs that the current La Niña pattern may be breaking down, there currently remains an increased probability of above-median rainfall for Queensland.

State drought declarations

As at 31 March 2012, there are no local government areas drought declared under the State processes. There are no current Individually Droughted Property (IDP) declarations in Queensland.

Commonwealth/State Natural Disaster Relief and Recovery Arrangements (NDRRA) have been activated for the following events:

Rainfall and temperatures

North Queensland: Good falls of rain across the region during March. Above average falls were recorded along the coast and well inland into the Northern Gulf districts as well as the Hughenden and Richmond districts. Maximum temperatures were slightly cooler with the days ranging from early to mid 30 degrees and the nights sitting around 20 degrees. Babinda received 1888mm, Cairns A/P 1228, Charters Towers 255mm, Georgetown 280mm, Ingham 939mm, Innisfail 1228mm, Proserpine A/P 743mm, Townsville 556mm.

Central Queensland: Rainfall across the region has varied greatly with reported falls ranging from 4 to 22 inches. While daytime temperatures have remained consistent throughout the month overnight temperatures have fallen slightly. Reports of good falls towards the end of the month in the drier areas around Rockhampton have also been received. Alpha recorded 110mm, Clermont 193mm, Springsure 134mm, Mackay 704mm, Yaamba 183mm, Mt Larcom 205mm, Gladstone 200mm, Theodore 33mm, Yeppoon 270mm.

Western Queensland: Rainfall was fairly general across the west region during March although rainfall received provided some relief to many of the previously drier areas. Moderate flooding occurred along the Thomson and Flinders River systems with some communities becoming isolated in the lower reaches of Normanton and Windorah. Overall March was generally mild although humidity was generally higher than normal. Mt Isa 65mm, Boulia 145mm, Windorah 184mm, Longreach 82mm, Muttaburra 121mm, Winton 85mm, Birdsville AP 40, and Charleville 52mm.

South-East Queensland: The northern coastal areas of the region have experienced flooding along local creeks and the Mary River system due to significant rainfall events during March. While roads were cut major damage was minimal. Generally the region is tends to be drier the further areas are away from the coast. Temperatures have been mild for this time of year. Esk 114mm, Biggenden 226mm, Nambour 545mm, Gatton 60mm, Maleny 512mm, Tewantin 598mm, Eidsvold 183mm, Mundubbera 101mm, Kilkivan 116mm, Kingaroy 49mm, Nanango 65mm, Bundaberg 241mm, Maryborough 522mm.

Southern Queensland: Above average rainfall continues to fall across areas to the west of Roma, St George and Goondiwindi. The remainder of the region has experienced average to below average rainfall with noticeably dry pockets south-east of Dalby and south of Warwick. Rainfall for March was generally average to below with the Southern Downs, Balonne and Maranoa Regional Council areas recording the lowest figures. Clifton n/a, Inglewood 26 mm, Oakey 81 mm, Pittsworth 49 mm, Stanthorpe 17 mm, Toowoomba AP 87 mm, Warwick 18 mm, St George A/P 9mm, Taroom 65mm.

Livestock, pastures and water

North Queensland: The region is well into the mustering with first round musters well underway. Cattle are on the move as marketing commences in earnest after flooding during the month caused a number of extended road closures and cancellation of sales. Cattle are in good condition in line with pasture condition, with reports indicating there are good lines of prime finished stock and quality stores coming to market. Pastures are in excellent condition after a long extended growing season with optimum growing conditions overall. Good inflows into dams and rivers this month have alleviated any concerns of water shortages later in the dry.

Central Queensland: It has been a good season throughout the region with livestock, particularly young cattle looking the best they've looked this time of year for some time. The sun is now shining and in the Mackay area pastures are generally plentiful. Across the region some pastures are beginning to seed and hay off. Most dams and on farm water storage are full or near full capacity.

Western Queensland: Overall most properties have received adequate rain to promote reasonable pasture growth. While some properties did miss out most have experienced a good response and stock are generally in good condition Some isolated parts of Boulia and Cloncurry shires have received less than optimal rain and properties in this area are starting towards reducing on farm livestock numbers prior to winter. Across the North West, pasture conditions have generally remained good with most properties having received sufficient rain to develop significant pasture response. As a result livestock are generally in good to excellent condition. In the Central West, pastures are also generally good with only few areas of poorer quality. Most stock are currently reported to be in good condition or better. Some flooding remains along the lower Thomson and upper Cooper systems. In the Southwest there are some areas of patchier rain from the west of Eromanga to Hungerford. The remainder of the area is having one of the better seasons on record. Moderate flooding along Cooper's Creek is expected to continue for at least a month as the waters drain towards South Australia. Overall livestock are generally in good condition and the majority of the west region has reliable supplies of water.

South East Queensland: Pastures across the region are in very good condition for this time of year, with inland rainfall events assisting to maintain pastures in good condition. Livestock are also in good condition and both look favourable for the coming winter and dry season.

Southern Queensland: Stock in areas west of Roma, St George and Goondiwindi are generally in a strong condition with resultant high meat and fibre production. Extensive summer rainfall produced an excellent quantity and quality of pasture in these areas. In the area south of Warwick and south-east of Dalby pastures are generally all average to below average condition and supplementary feeding has commenced in some areas. Producers are also beginning to destock on some properties in the Warwick area where useful rain has been limited. On property storages are generally secure for most areas.

Cropping and horticulture

North Queensland: In the cane growing areas reports indicate the crop is growing well with plenty of sunshine combined with enough rain to keep soil moisture levels replenished. Harvesting of seed crops on the Tablelands continues and overall growing conditions have been favourable and yields from Rhodes and Guinea grass crops have been good. Banana production has been very strong leading to an oversupply of fruit early in the year but production levels are now starting to come back in line with demand, seeing an improvement in prices.

Central Queensland: Sugarcane is looking excellent coming out of the wet. With the last week of March being hot and dry, early planters are beginning to work ground. Preparations for winter horticulture plantings are well underway, with many now pre fertilizing. It is also expected that there will be a significant increase in chickpea plantings this winter, with predictions for Central Queensland in total to be in excess of 60,000 ha. Mungbean plantings are well down in the Callide Dawson this year, compared to previous years. Yields have been patchy depending on cropping history. There have also been disease issues discovered in the Central Highlands area which may also have affected yields in the Callide Dawson. Sorghum yields appear to be quite reasonable for late crops. The majority of the late sorghum harvest is just ramping up at the end of the month. Yields in excess of 5-6 tonne per ha are not unexpected for some longer fallow crops. Cotton picking is underway within the Callide Dawson region. Yields to date have been solid with irrigated crops achieving over four bales per hectare.

South East Queensland: Peanut harvesting is underway across the region with the dry weather assisting growers. Yields are expected to be good and given the current high prices due to a world shortage of peanuts this could be beneficial for many farmers. Some crops around Coalstoun Lakes have experienced problems with fusarium, however there are also many areas of late planted soybeans and corn. Provided that weather conditions stay warm, it should allow theses crops to finish the season. Some early sorghum has already been harvested, but prices are very low. If dry conditions continue there are very good prospects for high yields of all summer crops in the region. Weather has been favourable to cane growing in the Bundaberg region and while some irrigation commenced in early March, rainfall was generally sufficient to sustain good crop growth. Later in the month falls ranged around the 150-250mm. Minor flooding occurred in the Burnett River and the Kolan River with water levels only about one metre lower than the 2011 flood. Minor damage to infrastructure and crops has been reported.

Southern Queensland: There are reports of good yields for cotton and grains on the Darling Downs. Yields for sorghum, sunflower and corn were vastly improved by useful summer rainfall events. The cotton crops around St George were damaged by the January/February flood event. Vegetable and fruit production in the Granite Belt is assured due to good irrigation supplies. Water supplies are generally good and this will ensure security for irrigators. However, there are still some areas where rain is required to improve soil moisture levels and winter crop prospects.

Last updated 3 May 2012

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