Sustaining regions with a changing climate

In 1976 the long term moving average of the Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) started to drop to a previously unrecorded low and has not returned since (Queensland Centre for Climate applications 2000). The International Panel on Climate Change (2001) has reported that the southern Pacific Ocean is expected to experience a near El Nino like mean state. Many parts of the eastern sea board of Australia have in the past 50 years recorded a significant and progressive decline in average rainfall eg Mackay 80mm per decade (metrological records). Regional planners, industry and water boards are starting to review their risk management strategies for water supply. Implications of this decline in rainfall include risk in water supply, health issues for the aged, energy use, agricultural productivity, industry restructuring, infrastructure planning and pest and disease issues.