Otherwise, stock district water supplies are adequate at this stage. Supplies across the region are adequate, but the hot dry temperatures have caused considerable evaporation from surface storages. No significant flows in creeks and channels were recorded. Surface and groundwater storages are in general decline. The runoff in the Fitzroy Basin this wet season is the lowest since 1969.
Rainfalls are well below average.
If no significant rainfall occurs before spring many properties will face severe water shortages. Irrigators and industrial users continue to be well supplied from storages in Emerald, Dawson, Callide, Boyne, Fitzroy and Mackay areas although there will have to be reduced allocations next season if there are no substantial inflows to the systems in the next six months. Irrigation in the sugar areas near Mackay is at near peak demand due to the hot dry conditions. Surface water remains variable. Many properties that have received significant rainfall now have all dams and watercourses full.