Australia hit
by worst drought in history
The Australian government has been told that the country is in the
grip of its worst drought in history.
Scientists have briefed government ministers on the critical nature
of Australia's water shortage, saying the future for the nation's
farming and environment is bleak.
Wendy Craik, from the Murray Darling Basin Commission, has
predicted that if there are no good rains soon, water storages
could be empty by the end of April or May 2007.
The National Farmers' Federation Chief Executive, Ben Fargher, says
the effect on farmers is worrying.
"It's not isolated to a particular region it is dry across the
whole country," he said.
Help on the way
Prime Minister John Howard says the government will give all
available help to farmers and drought assistance will be reviewed
next week.
Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile says the government is awake to
the threat and the seriousness of the circumstances should not be
underestimated.
Mr Vaile has also warned the Reserve Bank that an interest rate
rise would be devastating.
"Rural Australia is hurting at the moment and with the level of
farm indebtedness an interest rate rise would be a very, very
serious blow to rural Australia at the moment," he said.
