Some areas of South Australia and Victoria have reported their “driest start to a year on record,” according to Weatherzone.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) reports rainfall has been below average in southern regions of Australia since early 2023.
This has created significant problems for farmers, as low rainfall and water levels disrupt agricultural production.
Here’s what you need to know.
Drought
The BoM defines drought as a “prolonged, abnormally dry period when the amount of available water is insufficient to meet our normal use.”
Australia’s climate is subject to drought due to its location on Earth, in an area with “sinking, dry, stable air and usually clear skies,” the BoM says. This limits rainfall and makes regions vulnerable to water shortages.
Australia has experienced many significant droughts in recent history, such as the Millennium Drought, which lasted from 1997 to 2010.
South Australia
South Australia is experiencing severe drought conditions, with 2024 rainfall levels 53% below the average recorded from 1961 to 1990.
This has contributed to a decline in water storage, with the city’s ten reservoirs now at 37% capacity, down from 46% this time last year. The CSIRO said this is the lowest level in over 20 years.
In response to the ongoing drought, in April the South Australian Government announced $55 million in funding to support drought-affected farmers across the state.
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Victoria
Victoria is also experiencing severe drought conditions, with parts of the state recording their driest 24-month period on record. Rainfall has also been recorded below average.
The state’s water storage levels have also fallen, with almost every reservoir less full than it was a year ago.
Last year, the Victorian Government announced $13.53 million in drought support for farmers.
Ahead of the state’s Budget on Tuesday, the Victorian Farmers Federation (VFF) is calling for more “urgent drought support”.
“Without further support from the state government, we risk long-term damage not just to farming families, but to entire rural communities.”
Farmers' response
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) has called on federal leaders to “show up on drought” and “keep a focus on drought conditions being felt across many areas of the country.”
After Labor’s federal election victory, NFF President David Jochinke urged Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Agriculture Minister Julie Collins “to visit drought-hit regions within the Government’s first 30 days.”
Government response
Collins told TDA the government “understands that some farmers are doing it tough with the ongoing dry conditions,” and that it “has a range of national measures available to allow farmers and rural communities to be better prepared for and manage through drought.”
Opposition Leader Sussan Ley told reporters on Tuesday that “many Australians” are currently undergoing “tough” experiences in the drought, “particularly in northern Victoria and western Victoria.”
