Well, the debate still rages on whether this sort of phenomenon is caused by global warming or that the earth has tilted just a little bit on its axis. The former is man-made, the latter is a whim of the universe.

THE AUSSIES NEED TO GET IN THE WATER DESALTING BUSINESS FAST..

For a country with mush of the land far from sea desalination is not an option.

Ironically much of the World looks for ”instant answers” like that George but, in reality and as in Africa, the answer has to be to replant, revegetate and bring back a natural balance.

As much of Africa can prove once the rainforest has been cleared drought, etc follows. Sadly, as the grand forests of Africa are decimated they will reap the same result. It has been proved over and over again but it doesn’t stop mankind from acting in a moronic fashion.

The ”hens are coming home to roost” as the old saying goes.

ANSWER TO BOB... YES A LOT OF THE LAND IS FAR FROM THE COASTS, BUT MOST OF THE AUSSSIES LIVE CLOSE TO THE COAST. THE ”GREAT OUTBACK” IS STILL ALMOST EMPTY OF PEOPLE... DESALTING IS MUCH TO EXPENSIVE TO POUR OUT ON THE GROUND. BUT COULD BE USED TO KEEP THE PEOPLE AND SELECTED LIVESTOCK ALIVE AND ADDED TO WHAT WATER THAT WILL BE AVAILABLE IN THE FUTURE.....

Yes George desalination may be an answer to those living in coastal settlements but our whole approach to responsible land and resource management has to be more embracing. To consider strategies which simply address the immediate is too simplistic.

Mankind for too long has reached for instant answers to pressing problems at the cost to the environment longer term. The World is littered with examples. It is tantamount to driving with blinkers on.