Fitzroy: Outlook for 2018 Account
as at 1 June 2018
- Below-average rainfall conditions are expected across the region during 2017–18.
- Surface water storage is expected to decrease; water use may be higher than 2016–17.
For further information on the expected inflows and future commitments for the region during the 2017–18 year scroll down this page.
Future prospects
Figure S10 Water outlook for the Fitzroy region for 2017–18
- There is a surplus of available water assets and future water rights over water liabilities and future water commitments that are expected to be settled within 12 months of the reporting date.
Expected inflows
Figure S11 Rainfall deciles for the Fitzroy region from July 2017–May 2018
- Rainfall during the first 11 months of the 2017–18 year (July–May) was average to below-average across most of the region. Storages were 37% full at 1 June 2018 compared to 53% full at the same time last year.
- According to the Bureau of Meteorology's climate outlook (issued 31 May 2018), the main climate drivers, such as the El Niño–Southern Oscillation and the Indian Ocean Dipole, will remain neutral during the next few months, which will mean the region is unlikely to experience above-average rainfall in June 2018.
- Total annual rainfall is expected to be below average and, therefore, inflows for 2017–18 are likely to be less than the 2016–17 year.
Future commitments
- 2017–18 rainfall is likely to be less than last year, which could mean users will have an increased reliance on water sourced directly from surface water and groundwater stores.