Sept temps already 2ºC up: The September temperature was already 2C above the normal maximum average of 20C, De Salis expects this trend to continue, with the temperature at least 1C above the month’s average during 0ctober, November and December.
August rainfall driest since 1900: The outlook comes on the back of a month with less-than-average rainfall: August was the driest period on record since 1900, the result of rain deficiencies and record-low falls. During the past year, the towns of Bellbrook (Kempsey Shire), Byrock (Bourke Shire) and Carters Opal Fields (Walgett Shire) have had to cart water. And there are 11 schemes that, in the absence of rainfall, may need to commence water carting, including Nimmitabel – a community that is reliant on rainwater tanks.
Water thieves steal 6000L from school: The crisis was highlighted this week with the spotlight on Nimmitabel Public School, where water was stolen from children. Pupils were left without water after thieves pumped dry the school’s only supply, a 6000-litre tank. Police in the Snowy Mountains town of 260 people, about 450km south of Sydney, believe a small truck came through the school gates and backed up to the tank to cart the water away over two nights.
The Daily Telegraph, 23/9/2006, p. 68