September 3, 2018
Australia’s worst drought
I grew up on the land. I saw droughts, floods, good times and bad. I have seen tears of sadness and tears of happiness.
Australia is now facing one of the worst droughts on record. Heard it before? Support one of the many blogs floating in cyber criticising farmers and you can be cutting your nose in spite of your face.
Here are a few facts and tips:
1-Weather control
Our Australian graziers and farmers can’t control the weather – though they wish they could – they don’t have a crystal ball.
2-Our Australian farmers and graziers are custodians
They wouldn’t do this occupation if they didn’t respect the land.
As feed drops down, herds must be downsized to protect the landscape, the breeding stock along with native wildlife both flora and fauna.
3-Community and keeping connections
In drought times a journey to see the neighbour could entail a couple of hours travel and the associated costs such as fuel. Drought leads to isolation as families cut items like travel, telephone and even power.
Community, friends and support, from even someone you don’t know in a time of need can save a person. One of the most heart wrenching stories I heard was of a young boy in central Queensland who died of snake bite after the family had to disconnect the telephone due to the drought and no income.
For more info:
Lifeline
131114
www.lifeline.org.au
Beyond Blue
1300 22 4636
www.beyondblue.org.au
4-Keep buying Australian produced foods and fibres
We need to keep supporting our home industries.
5-Plan a road trip
Head on out! Go camping or do an accommodated self-drive or fully catered tour. Call into the pubs and stores along the way supporting many a vibrant community. Maybe even plan ahead to include a festival or event?
Bluedog’s Outback Desert Odyssey is planned for 2019!
6-To the Australian government
You have more than half of Eastern Australia in the worst-ever drought. Give the framers a break – it’s not rocket science what you need to do.
Other articles that may be of interest
The best way to do an outback road trip
All images courtesy of Danielle Lancaster
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