Central Tablelands Local Land Services

On-ground conditions continue to improve, though there is a mix of positive outcomes and continued challenges, depending on location.

The Combined Drought Indicator (CDI) shows approximately 31% of the region being in the Drought Affected category at the end of June.
Low levels of stored soil moisture remain a concern, with the Soil Water Index (SWI) remaining low in many locations compared to plant growth and rainfall.
June rainfall has been average to above average for the much of the region which has help aid the improvement in conditions. Further rainfall will help aid recovery in the region.
Local reports suggest that conditions are mixed across the region, due to variable rainfall. There has been low pasture response due to colder conditions and little run off for farm dams. Some supplementary feeding is occurring with the utilisation of crops for fodder.
The DPIRD continues to closely monitor conditions in this region.

Click on the scroll bar below the map to compare with previous months.

Normalised Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI)

Plant greenness levels remain above average for many parts of the region during the April to June period.

There have been improvements in the NDVI anomaly values since the last Update, particularly in the east of the region.
There are areas where pasture growth may be slowing and becoming dormant as cooler temperatures are experienced.
Some of the extremely negative NDVI areas (brown patches) are water bodies.

Drought indicators respond well to recent rainfall.

Due to the timing and variability of rainfall events, the indicators are responding at different rates, indicating contrasting conditions on the ground.
Continued rainfall will be needed to ensure the underlying indicators continue to build on recent improvements, particularly at Bathurst and Mudgee.
The easing of conditions is positive for landholders, with winter farm management decisions critical to longer term improvement.

To access a Drought History chart for your Parish, visit the Seasonal Conditions Information Portal