June rainfall fails to dent drought
Wednesday August 5, 2009
Figures released last week by the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) show that despite good rainfall in June, the Cobar region remains in drought.
The July drought figures show that while the area of the state declared drought affected has dropped slightly, the area considered marginal has increased with a number of areas previously considered satisfactory now lower.
The July figures are also the first based on the new Livestock Health and Pest Authority board areas, with Cobar considered part of the Darling board.
The majority of the Darling Board is considered in drought, although northeastern parts of the board are considered both satisfactory and marginal.
Minister for Primary Industries Ian Macdonald said many areas received above average rainfall for the month of June, but follow-up rain was needed to have a major impact on drought figures.
“The northern half of the state has generally had average to above average rains over the last year, while the south is a complete contrast with very low falls.
“The two regions are separated by a band across the middle of the state that has received average falls,” Mr Macdonald said.
“There has been some run-off from the June rains and this has improved water storage in some farm dams.”
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