The harsh climate can make living in the outback difficult. The land is dry and prone to drought, so every drop of water is important. Each station has a tank so that rainwater can be stored for household use. Strainers are placed over the openings of rainwater tanks to keep rubbish out. Rain is usually welcome in the dry outback, but it can create problems of its own.
Heavy rain can cause widespread flooding.
Roads can be cut with very little warning, making isolation more severe. When Europeans first moved into the outback they did not understand the fragile environment. Many of their practices led to problems like pest animals, woody weeds, soil loss and salinity. Before environmental risks became known, many trees were felled to make fence posts. It is estimated that 100 million trees were cut down for fence posts in western New South Wales.