How does a Australian drought effect the community around it?

Answer 1

There are so many effects of drought in Australia. To determine how widespread the reach of drought is, consider the following.

• other areas are dependent on the areas where drought is an issue.
• services that don't seem to be related to a lack of rainfall might be supported by the reduced spending power of those who are affected.
• cities rely on the rural sector for much of their basic food items.
• reduced availability of food items results in increased prices for both consumers and producers
• increased prices affect businesses, resulting in reduced profits, and ultimately layoffs and loss of employment
• drought results in increased desertification, i.e. once fertile land becomes desert, a situation from which the land rarely recovers
• water and its availability and quality affects everyone, even city people when water restrictions are enforced
• Australian primary industries rely on good rainfall, and exports and the wealth of Australia as a whole are impacted.
• droughts can ruin the financial security of many and the resultant stresses affect people mentally and also can damage personal relationships. Watching for rain that doesn't eventuate and seeing crops and animals dying without being able to help is devastating.

See also the related question.

Answer 2

As at October 2007, much of the southern and central parts of the continent are experiencing drought conditions. See the Web Link to the left for the October 2007 drought statement. The site will have up to date information on other pages if past this date. There are also links within the page to related information that may be helpful.