Research Paper On Australian Drought

Decent Essays
A drought is a prolonged period of time where there is a shortage of water (due to lack of rainfall), this results in an inability to meet the needs of people, animals and plants. Due to Australia’s dry habitat, it is particularly susceptible to drought.

Throughout 2001-2006 Australia was hit with what many would consider the “worst drought on record”. The Darling River stopped flowing and there was a severe shortage of water in the Murray-Darling Basing. Despite many regions of Australia suffering from drought between 2002-2012, perhaps the hardest hit were the NSW regions of Bundarra and Eurobodalla. These regions remained drought stricken until April 2012 when Agriculture Minister at the time, Joe Ludwig officially declared the drought over.
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In September 2008, over 70% of NSW was drought-declared. Throughout September 2008, reports by the NSW Department of Primary Industries showed that only 10.8% of the state had satisfactory rainfall. These areas were along the eastern coastline, meaning the agricultural regions which needed rain the most were still suffering from the ongoing effects of minimal rainfall. This drought was not only significant in NSW, areas in Western Australia, South Australia, Victoria and northern Tasmania were also affected. This drought was considered hotter than previous ones and David Jones (Bureau of Meteorology head of climate analysis) was quoted as saying the drought was “very severe and without historical

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