Seasonal Climate Outlook Message for May to August 2009

The bottom line

Reduction in drought declared regions Dave McRae, Qld Climate Change Centre of Excellence, 26/05/09.

Following recommendations from the Local Drought Committees (LDCs), as of the 25th May 2009, 35% of the land area of Queensland remains drought declared under state government processes.

Drought declarations in Queensland are made following recommendations from the local drought committees to the minister. The local drought committees also make the recommendations to the minister for drought declarations to be revoked. This occurs when in their opinion there has been sufficient rainfall to promote enough pasture growth to permit stocking at 'near-normal' carrying capacities for the given time of year.

For a full list of drought declared regions and a seasonal conditions report go the Long Paddock internet site www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au

Other information on the current drought situation and available financial assistance, drought planning advice, social, and community counselling services can be found at www.dpi.qld.gov.au/drought/ or through the DPI Call Centre on 132523.

The 30day average of the SOI as of the 26th May is minus 9.5. The fall in value of the SOI is expected to negatively influence the outlook for June to August. For more information got to www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au