Damon Mcknight
Western Australia has experienced several droughts in the past, with historical records indicating that a 'severe' drought has occurred in Australia, on average, once every 18 years. The Western Australian Government is working with the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund to address this issue. Climate change has impacted Western Australia, with average temperatures rising by about 1°C in the last century, particularly in the last 50 years. This trend is expected to continue, with dry seasons becoming more frequent in southern Western Australia. The region has experienced notable droughts in the past, including the Federation Drought from 1895 to 1903, considered the worst in Australia's history due to its devastating impact on livestock. More recently, in 2025, Western Australia faced rainfall deficiencies, with below-average precipitation in some areas.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Frequency of droughts in Western Australia | Droughts have historically occurred at intervals of 11 to 14 years, with a 'severe' drought occurring on average once every 18 years. |
| Recent drought occurrences | 2013-2014, 2017-2019, 2025 |
| Impact of droughts | Low soil moisture, crop failure, livestock losses, bushfires, water restrictions, decreased river flow |
| Factors influencing drought | Climate change, El Niño weather patterns, dry seasons, low rainfall |
| Efforts to mitigate droughts | Western Australian Government is working with the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund (FDF) to provide support. |
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What You'll Learn
Western Australia's climate change
Western Australia's climate has changed over the last century, particularly in the last 50 years, with a 1°C increase in average temperature. The region has experienced a marked decrease in precipitation levels since 1994, with deficiencies intensifying in 2013–14 and leading to an extended drought period.
Western Australia has historically experienced severe droughts, with meteorological records since the 1860s indicating a recurrence of severe droughts once every 11 to 18 years. Notable historical droughts include:
- The Federation Drought from 1895 to 1903, considered the worst in Australia's history due to its devastating impact on livestock.
- The 1911–1915 drought, which resulted in the failure of the 1914 wheat crop.
- The Millennium Drought, which lasted from 1996 to 2012, with particularly challenging conditions between 2002 and 2007 due to a lack of rainfall.
- The 2017–2019 severe drought, which affected much of eastern and inland Australia, including Western Australia.
The Western Australian Government is working with the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund to address the challenges posed by climate change and drought. The state is expected to experience more frequent dry seasons in the southern regions, impacting annual pasture production and agriculture. Climate change presents both challenges and opportunities for Western Australia to adapt and build resilience against water scarcity and drought.
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Drought indicators
Drought is considered a prolonged, abnormally dry period when there is not enough water available to meet normal use. The Australian Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) is a key tool for understanding drought indicators in Western Australia. It is based on the U.S. Drought Monitor concept, using four selected indicators: rainfall, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI).
Rainfall is a critical factor in determining drought conditions. Western Australia has experienced a decline in rainfall over the years, with below-average rainfall in 24 of the last 31 years since 1994. This trend is expected to continue, with dry seasons becoming more frequent in southern Western Australia. Rainfall deficiencies have impacted Western Australia in recent years, with some areas experiencing severe or serious rainfall deficiencies.
Soil moisture is another important indicator. Low soil moisture for extended periods can indicate an agricultural drought, impacting crop and pasture growth. Western Australia has experienced soil moisture deficits, particularly in deeper soils, affecting crop growth during the southern winter cropping season.
Evapotranspiration, including evaporative stress, is also considered in the CDI. The Pilbara-Gascoyne region of Western Australia has experienced areas of elevated evaporative stress, with negative Evaporative Stress Index (ESI) values.
Finally, the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is used to monitor vegetation health and is an important indicator of drought conditions. While specific data for Western Australia may not be readily available, it is a crucial component of the CDI.
Overall, these indicators provide a comprehensive understanding of drought conditions in Western Australia. By monitoring rainfall, soil moisture, evapotranspiration, and vegetation health, authorities can assess the severity and impact of droughts and implement appropriate management strategies.
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Drought in the 21st century
Western Australia has experienced significant changes in its climate over the last century, particularly in the last 50 years. The average temperature has risen by about 1°C. The region has historically been susceptible to droughts, with meteorological records since the 1860s indicating that severe droughts have occurred once every 11 to 18 years.
In the 21st century, Western Australia has continued to experience periodic droughts, with varying levels of severity. The state faced a severe drought in 2005, with rainfall deficiencies in parts of South Australia, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania. This was followed by an El Niño event in 2006-2007, further exacerbating the dry conditions. Western Australia experienced some relief from drought conditions in 2010, with widespread above-average rainfall. However, the southwest corner of the state missed out on this rainfall and endured a record dry year.
The Millennium Drought, which lasted from 1996 to 2012, was another significant dry period in the 21st century. This drought was characterised by a lack of significant rainfall between two separate droughts in 2002 and 2007, leading to prolonged dry conditions. During this period, Western Australia experienced rainfall deficiencies in its agricultural areas, impacting crop production and livestock.
In recent years, Western Australia has continued to grapple with drought conditions. In 2025, the Pilbara-Gascoyne region experienced areas of elevated evaporative stress, indicating low soil moisture levels. This has had implications for agriculture, particularly crop emergence, establishment, and growth during the southern winter cropping season.
To address the challenges posed by drought, the Western Australian Government is collaborating with the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund to enhance resilience and support affected regions. The state's Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development plays a crucial role in providing data and information on seasonal weather patterns and offering guidance to growers and agribusinesses during dry years.
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The impact of drought on agriculture
Western Australia has experienced droughts throughout history, with rainfall deficiencies persisting in some areas. The impact of drought on agriculture is significant and far-reaching.
Agricultural production is highly dependent on water availability, and drought conditions can lead to reduced water supply for irrigation and livestock. This, in turn, affects crop growth and yield, with potential crop failures and decreased production. For example, during the 2018-19 drought in eastern Australia, farms in New South Wales experienced large falls in profit due to the drought conditions. Similarly, in Western Australia, the 2024 season has been challenging, with variable rainfall impacting production and profitability.
Drought can also lead to a decline in the quality and quantity of pastureland, affecting livestock farming. In severe cases, such as the 1850 drought in inland New South Wales, there were significant losses of livestock, and during the 1982-83 drought, millions of cattle died due to dry conditions. Drought conditions can also increase the vulnerability of agricultural land to bushfires, as seen in the 2019 drought when agricultural land in New South Wales and Queensland was desiccated, leading to intense bushfires.
To mitigate the effects of drought on agriculture, various strategies have been employed, including the implementation of drought policies and assistance programs. The Exceptional Circumstances policy (EC), for instance, aims to support viable farm businesses in coping with rare and severe events, including droughts. Additionally, improved farming technologies and systems have helped increase wheat production in Western Australia, even during drought years.
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Government response to drought
Western Australia has a long history of droughts, with major droughts occurring as early as the 1800s. The government's response to droughts in the state has evolved over time, adapting to the prevailing climatic, economic, social, and political demands. Here is an overview of the government's response to droughts in Western Australia:
- Historical Context: Since the 1860s, when meteorological recording began, severe droughts have occurred in Western Australia at intervals of approximately 11 to 14 years. The state has experienced reduced precipitation levels since 1994, with deficiencies intensifying in 2013-2014 and leading to extended drought periods.
- Evolution of Drought Policy: The Western Australian government has continuously adapted its drought policies. The focus has shifted from providing loans for seed, fertilizer, and irrigation to promoting settlement, treating droughts as natural disasters, and offering direct financial and social support to farmers facing hardship.
- National Drought Program Reform: On July 1, 2014, Western Australia implemented the National Drought Program reform policy. This policy was designed in response to expert reviews and pilot programs, aiming to improve drought preparedness and provide a balance between social welfare needs and business responsibilities.
- Drought Response WA: The Western Australian government launched the Drought Response WA website and a 24/7 hotline (1300 489 832) to provide information, support, and real-time assistance to primary producers impacted by droughts. This includes financial support measures such as interest-free loans and hardship grants, as well as counselling services for people in rural areas.
- Soil Moisture Management: The government addresses soil moisture deficits, which impact crop growth and livestock pasture growth. While rainfall events can increase soil moisture reserves, deficits in deeper soils remain a concern, particularly in the Pilbara-Gascoyne region.
- Water Supply Management: The government works to ensure adequate water supply during droughts. For instance, Adelaide's water supply is augmented by transfers from the River Murray, desalination, and groundwater. The Victorian desalination plant also buffers surface water storages supplying Melbourne and Geelong during regional rainfall deficiencies.
- Agricultural Resilience: With climate variability expected to increase, the Western Australian government aims to improve the long-term profitability and viability of farm businesses. This includes providing business training, enhanced risk management tools, and better social support for farm families facing hardship.
- Indigenous Acknowledgement: The Government of Western Australia acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land and their ongoing connection to the land, waters, and community.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia has historically experienced droughts about once every 11 to 14 years, with some of the most notable ones occurring in 1829, 1835, 1838, 1839, 1846, 1849, 1850, 1864-1866, 1868, 1911-1915, 1918-1920, 1982-1983, and 1991.
Climate change and El Niño weather patterns have been identified as significant contributors to the occurrence of droughts in Western Australia.
Droughts in Western Australia have far-reaching impacts, including agricultural losses, water shortages, and bushfires.
The Western Australian Government is collaborating with the Australian Government's Future Drought Fund to address the challenges posed by droughts. Additionally, $100 million will be invested annually in projects to enhance drought resilience across Australia.
The Federation Drought from 1895 to 1903, also known as the Federation Drought of 1895-1902, is considered one of the worst in Australia's history due to the significant stock losses it caused.
