|
The Effects of major drought |
| 1864-66 |
All
States affected except Tasmania. |
1963-68 |
Widespread
drought. Also longest drought in arid central Australia: 1958-67.
The last two years saw a 40 per cent drop in wheat harvest, a loss
of 20 million sheep, and a decrease in farm income of $300-500 million |
| 1880-86 |
Southern
and eastern States affected. |
| 1895-1903 |
Sheep
numbers halved and more than 40 per cent loss of cattle. Most devastating
drought in terms of stock losses. |
| 1911-16 |
Loss
of 19 million sheep and 2 million cattle. |
1972-73 |
Mainly
in eastern Australia. |
| 1918-20 |
Only
parts of Western Australia free from drought. |
1982-83 |
Total
loss estimated in excess of $3000 million. Most intense drought
in terms of vast areas affected. |
| 1939-45 |
Loss
of nearly 30 million sheep between 1942 and 1945. |
1991-95 |
Average
production by rural industries fell about 10 per cent, resulting
in possible $5 billion cost to the Australian economy, $590 million
drought relief provided by the Commonwealth Government between September
1992 and December 1995. |
