Severe drought devastates south-west Queensland, sparking feed shortages and fire risks
A multi-year drought has been officially declared across four councils in south-west Queensland, leaving farms without hay and rivers running dry.
Official drought declarations this month cover the Balonne, Goondiwindi, Southern Downs and parts of Maranoa, affecting an area roughly twice the size of Belgium. Greg Finlay, a 58-year-old farmer near Texas, says his property has recorded only 167 mm of rain compared with a 650 mm average, limiting hay production to about 40 % of normal and forcing the import of feed from Victoria, South Australia and north Queensland.
Nearby grazier Keith Allwood notes that many cattle owners are feeding stock because pasture is scarce, and the Balonne River has stopped flowing for the first time in more than five years. Wildlife carers in Inglewood report increased road-kill kangaroos and difficulty obtaining hay for rescued animals. Rural fire volunteers warn that a shortened window after a hot summer limits the time available for hazard-reduction burns before the upcoming bushfire season.
Why it matters
The drought threatens food security for livestock, wildlife welfare and increases bushfire danger in a large Queensland region.
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