Australia hit by worst drought in historyThe Australian government has been told that the country is in the grip of its worst drought in history.
Scientists have briefed government ministers on the critical nature of Australia's water shortage, saying the future for the nation's farming and environment is bleak.
Wendy Craik, from the Murray Darling Basin Commission, has predicted that if there are no good rains soon, water storages could be empty by the end of April or May 2007.
The National Farmers' Federation Chief Executive, Ben Fargher, says the effect on farmers is worrying.
"It's not isolated to a particular region it is dry across the whole country," he said.
Help on the way
Prime Minister John Howard says the government will give all available help to farmers and drought assistance will be reviewed next week.
Deputy Prime Minister Mark Vaile says the government is awake to the threat and the seriousness of the circumstances should not be underestimated.
Mr Vaile has also warned the Reserve Bank that an interest rate rise would be devastating.
"Rural Australia is hurting at the moment and with the level of farm indebtedness an interest rate rise would be a very, very serious blow to rural Australia at the moment," he said.
