Over the past decade, Queensland has faced extensive and persistent drought conditions, with significant portions of the state under drought declaration at various times. The severity and extent of these droughts are shown in the monthly change of Queensland drought declared since 1964, which provides detailed statistics on the percentage of the area affected by drought and the duration of these conditions.
Drought patterns
From the data, it is evident that Queensland's drought situation has been severe. Around 60% of the state has been under drought declaration throughout the decade. This situation is particularly true for south-western Queensland, where drought conditions have been relentless 40-60% of the time, with minimal relief from rainfall.
- The peak was in 2016 and 2017, with over 80% of the state drought-declared.
- In 2020, nearly 67% of Queensland was in drought, a stark reminder of the state’s ongoing challenges. This extensive drought coverage was not an isolated event.
- Similar levels were recorded from 2014 to 2022, indicating a recurring pattern of severe drought conditions.
- The percentage of the state in drought has seen slight fluctuations over the years, but large portions of the state remained under drought declaration, reflecting the long-term nature of the issue.
Drought impacts and influences
Persistent droughts have severely impacted agriculture, water supply, and local ecosystems, forcing communities to adapt to the harsh conditions. The drought conditions in Queensland have been influenced by broader climatic factors, such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation, contributing to the reduced rainfall in eastern Australia.
In 2024, Queensland’s drought situation has significantly improved, with the percentage of the state in drought decreasing to zero.
- No full or part local government areas were drought-declared.
- No individual droughted property declarations were made.
- The last time Queensland was free of drought declarations was in 2013, highlighting its ongoing vulnerability to drought despite periodic improvements in rainfall.
Over the past decade, Queensland has grappled with severe and widespread drought , affecting most of the state's land area. The persistence of these conditions underscores the importance of ongoing drought management and support for affected communities.
The reduction in drought declarations was driven by a widespread improvement in seasonal conditions, especially since January 2024. A critical difference between the 2023/2024 summer rainfall season and previous years was follow-up rainfall events rather than just one or two bigger falls. This rainfall caused a significant response in vegetation and major productive grasses across most Queensland regions.
Drought can significantly impact many communities and land uses, e.g. traditional food and medicines for First Nations peoples, and social and cultural impacts on remote communities that rely on rainfall.
Drought declarations
A drought declaration is an official acknowledgement by the Queensland Government that a shire, an area or an individual grazing property is affected by poor seasonal conditions. To be drought-declared, rainfall for the previous 12 months (minimum) must be in the lowest (or driest) rainfall decile for that location (or driest 10 per cent of long-term historical rainfall).
The Queensland Minister for Agriculture and Fisheries makes drought declarations based on local drought committees’ advice and considering rainfall and indicators of seasonal conditions, including pasture growth and water availability.
