Register      Login
The Rangeland Journal The Rangeland Journal Society
Journal of the Australian Rangeland Society
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Overcoming drought vulnerability in rangeland communities: lessons from central-western Queensland

David Phelps A C and Dana Kelly B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Longreach, Qld 4730, Australia.

B Dana Kelly Consulting, PO Box 4868, Toowoomba East, Qld 4350, Australia.

C Corresponding author. Email: david.phelps@daf.qld.gov.au

The Rangeland Journal 41(3) 251-270 https://doi.org/10.1071/RJ18052
Submitted: 1 May 2018  Accepted: 8 June 2019   Published: 23 July 2019

Abstract

Drought and climate variability are an increasing global problem, especially in rangelands which may lack robust socioeconomic systems. Vulnerability is being applied in drought and climate change policy theory, by describing exposure and sensitivity factors, and adaptive capacity. In this paper we examine these vulnerability factors in central-western Queensland (CWQ), Australia, as a case study to test the idea that vulnerability and resilience must be considered together to build strong and enduring rangeland communities. The region’s economy and employment are strongly coupled with rain-fed agriculture. Drought is a key risk to CWQ communities, with 13 extended droughts recorded since 1898. The region has been officially in drought since 2013 following well below-average rainfall, and remains in drought in 2019. The impact has led to reductions in town business turnover of 30–60%, loss of livelihoods and outmigration of 20%. Outmigration corresponds to the recent periods of drought. Social networks have been destabilised, highlighting that the cascading impacts of drought are complex, interrelated and affect the whole community. Regionally led responses have helped to re-build social cohesion, provide mental health support and stimulate economic activity and employment. These actions provide examples of a systemic, whole-of-community approach, that (1) captures place-based advantages; (2) enhances internal and external socioeconomic networks; (3) engages meaningfully through multi-level consultation; and (4) seeks to build sustained financial investment. A common theme of success is partnerships which provide external support for regionally-identified issues and solutions. There has been considerable investment of public, philanthropic and private funds in drought relief and infrastructure programs. This has occurred through a whole-of-community approach, and suggests a move towards policy which aims to build long-term regional resilience. CWQ has linked vulnerability and resilience by asking of both internally and externally led drought relief ‘will this action build or undermine community resilience’. This approach could also be applied to the design of drought policies and responses in other rangeland regions.

Additional keywords: adaptation, pastoralist, resilience, regional policy, rural communities, small business.


References

ABS (2017). Australian Bureau of Statistics census data. Available at: http://www.abs.gov.au/ (accessed 28 July 2017).

Adger, W. N. (2006). Vulnerability. Global Environmental Change 16, 268–281.
Vulnerability.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

AgForce (2015). ‘Drought Survey. Make or Break Time for Assistance.’ (AgForce Queensland Industrial Union of Employers: Brisbane.)

Agriculture and Fisheries (2018a). Queensland Government agricultural land audit – Queensland rainfall series, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0. Available at: https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/agricultural-land-audit-queensland-rainfall-series/resource/b2aa719d-a323-4e26-b82b-d8b3811a1c6a (accessed 3 March 2018).

Agriculture and Fisheries (2018b). Queensland Government, agricultural land audit – Queensland pasture growth series, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 3.0. Available at: https://data.qld.gov.au/dataset/agricultural-land-audit-queensland-pasture-growth-series (accessed 3 March 2018).

Ampt, P., and Baumber, A. (2006). Building connections between kangaroos, commerce and conservation in the rangelands. Australian Zoologist 33, 398–409.
Building connections between kangaroos, commerce and conservation in the rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Anon. (2017). Welcome to off the track training. Available at: http://www.offthetracktraining.com.au/ (accessed 28 July 2017).

Argent, N. (2008). Perceived density, social interaction and morale in New South Wales rural communities. Journal of Rural Studies 24, 245–261.
Perceived density, social interaction and morale in New South Wales rural communities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Asadi Zarch, M. A. A., Sivakumar, B., and Sharma, A. (2015). Droughts in a warming climate: a global assessment of standardized precipitation index (SPI) and reconnaissance drought index (RDI). Journal of Hydrology 526, 183–195.
Droughts in a warming climate: a global assessment of standardized precipitation index (SPI) and reconnaissance drought index (RDI).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ash, A., Hunt, L., McDonald, C., Scanlan, J., Bell, L., Cowley, R., Watson, I., McIvor, J., and MacLeod, N. (2015). Boosting the productivity and profitability of northern Australian beef enterprises: exploring innovation options using simulation modelling and systems analysis. Agricultural Systems 139, 50–65.
Boosting the productivity and profitability of northern Australian beef enterprises: exploring innovation options using simulation modelling and systems analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Australian Government (2019). Farm Management Deposits Scheme. Available at: https://www.business.gov.au/assistance/farm-management-deposits-scheme (accessed 29 May 2019).

Bahadur, A. (2016). Reimagining resilience: bringing resilience, transformation and vulnerability closer for tackling climate change. Asian Cities Climate Change Resilience Network (ACCCRN) monitoring the field: February 2013. Working Paper, January 2016.

Berkes, F., Colding, J., and Folke, C. (Eds) (2003). ‘Navigating Social–Ecological Systems: Building Resilience for Complexity and Change.’ (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK.)

Besser, T. L. (2009). Changes in small town social capital and civic engagement. Journal of Rural Studies 25, 185–193.
Changes in small town social capital and civic engagement.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bhattacharya, S., and Das, A. (2007). ‘Vulnerability to Drought, Cyclones and Floods in India.’ (Winrock International: New Delhi, India.)

BITRE (Bureau of Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Economics) (2014). Evolution of Australian towns. Report 136. Canberra, ACT.

BoM (Bureau of Meteorology) (2018). Climate glossary. Available at: http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/glossary/drought.shtml (accessed 31 July 2018).

BoM (Bureau of Meteorology) (2019). Climate outlook for March to May. Issued 28 February 2019. http://www.bom.gov.au/climate/outlooks/#/overview/summary (accessed 3 March 2019).

Botterill, L. C. (2003). Uncertain climate: the recent history of drought policy in Australia. The Australian Journal of Politics and History 49, 61–74.
Uncertain climate: the recent history of drought policy in Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Botterill, L. C., and Fisher, M. (Eds) (2003). ‘Beyond Drought: People, Policy and Perspectives.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic.)

Botterill, L. C., and Wilhite, D. A. (Eds) (2005). ‘From Disaster Response to Risk Management: Australia’s National Drought Policy.’ (Springer: Dordrecht, the Netherlands.)

Browne, N., Kingwell, R., Behrendt, R., and Eckard, R. (2013). The relative profitability of dairy, sheep, beef and grain farm enterprises in southeast Australia under selected rainfall and price scenarios. Agricultural Systems 117, 35–44.
The relative profitability of dairy, sheep, beef and grain farm enterprises in southeast Australia under selected rainfall and price scenarios.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Burrows, W.H., Scanlan J.C., and Rutherford, M.T. (1998). ‘Native Pastures in Queensland. The Resources and their Management.’ Queensland Department of Primary Industries Information Series QI87023. (Queensland Government Printers: Brisbane.)

CARE International (2017). Suffering in silence: the 10 most under-reported humanitarian crises of 2016. Available at: https://www.care.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/REPORT_Suffering_in_Silence__110117_PRINT.pdf (accessed 5 March 2018).

CEFC (Clean Energy Finance Corporation) (2018). Case studies. Regional Qld gets boost with solar farms at Longreach and Oakey. Available at: https://www.cefc.com.au/case-studies/regional-qld-gets-boost-with-solar-farms-at-longreach-and-oakey.aspx (accessed 7 March 2018).

Chapman, M. (2003). Kangaroos and feral goats as economic resources for graziers: some views from south-west Queensland. The Rangeland Journal 25, 20–36.
Kangaroos and feral goats as economic resources for graziers: some views from south-west Queensland.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Clarkson, N. M., and Owens, D. T. (1991). RAINMAN – rainfall information for better management. Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Brisbane, Qld.

Clewett, J. F. (2005). Australian RAINMAN. Further development and application to improve management of climate variability. Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, Canberra. Publication No. 04/181. Project No. RIRDC DAQ 223A. Available at: https://www.agrifutures.com.au/publications/australian-rainman/ (accessed 21 June 2019).

Cole, J. (2016). Pathways to the future: building local strategies for regional resilience and sustainable development in central west Queensland. Synthesis report of community workshops (Barcaldine, Boulia, Barcoo, Blackall-Tambo, Longreach), October 2015–February 2016. Institute of Resilient Regions, University of Southern Queensland.

Cripps, S. (2016). Swimwear range emerges from the heart of drought-stricken western Queensland. Available at: http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/3710884/coola-cozzies-born-out-of-drought/?cs=4785 (accessed 6 March 2018).

Cripps, S. (2017). Communications deal needs federal funding to come to fruition for Blackall-Tambo. Available at: http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/4813179/wifi-deal-to-be-the-envy-of-australia/ (accessed 6 March 2018).

Cripps, S. (2018a). Carbon farming leading to rural community decline, review promised. Available at: http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/5241056/paroo-cooler-on-carbon/ (accessed 18 March 2018).

Cripps, S. (2018b). Queensland drought relief groups share tips learnt over five years. Available at: https://www.theland.com.au/story/5572863/lessons-of-a-five-year-drought/ (accessed 4 September 2018).

Cripps, S. (2018c). Shane Webke launches Western Queensland Drought Committee report. Available at: https://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/5420522/webke-tackles-western-drought-report/ (accessed 23 September 2018).

Cutter, S., Emrich, C., Webb, J., and Morath, D. (2009). Social vulnerability to climate variability hazards: a review of the literature. In: ‘Final Report to Oxfam America’. pp. 1–44. (Hazards and Vulnerability Research Institute, Department of Geography University of South Carolina: Columbia, SC, USA.)

DAF (Department of Agriculture and Fisheries) (2018). About DCAP. Available at: https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/business-priorities/environment/drought/dcap/about-dcap (accessed 8 March 2018).

Davies, J., and Holcombe, S. (2009). Desert knowledge: integrating knowledge and development in arid and semi-arid drylands. GeoJournal 74, 363–375.
Desert knowledge: integrating knowledge and development in arid and semi-arid drylands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

de Assis de Souza Filho, F., de Freitas de Oliveira, P. P., Abicalil, M. T., Costa Braga, C. F., da Silva, S. M. O., de Aquino, S. H. S., Cid, A. C. C., de Araújo Júnior, L. M., and Braga, A. C. F. M. (2016). Drought preparedness plans: tools and case studies. In: ‘Drought in Brazil: Proactive Management and Policy’. (Eds E. De Nys, N. Engle and A. R. Magalhães.) pp. 167–210. (CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA.)

Diamond, J. (2005). ‘Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed.’ (Penguin Books: London, UK.)

Dolea, C., Stormont, L., and Braichet, J.-M. (2010). Evaluated strategies to increase attraction and retention of health workers in remote and rural areas. Bulletin of the World Health Organization 88, 379–385.
Evaluated strategies to increase attraction and retention of health workers in remote and rural areas.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 20461133PubMed |

Domański, B., and Gwosdz, K. (2010). Multiplier effects in local and regional development. Quaestiones Geographicae 29, 27–37.
Multiplier effects in local and regional development.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Drought Policy Review Expert Social Panel (2008). It’s about people: changing perspective. A report to government by an expert social panel on dryness. Report to the Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Canberra.

Ebi, K. L., and Bowen, K. (2016). Extreme events as sources of health vulnerability: drought as an example. Weather and Climate Extremes 11, 95–102.
Extreme events as sources of health vulnerability: drought as an example.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Edwards, B., Gray, M., and Hunter, B. (2009). A sunburnt country: the economic and financial impact of drought on rural and regional families in Australia in an era of climate change. Australian Journal of Labour Economics 12, 109–131.

Edwards, B., Gray, M., and Hunter, B. (2015). The impact of drought on mental health in rural and regional Australia. Social Indicators Research 121, 177–194.
The impact of drought on mental health in rural and regional Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

ERF (Emissions Reduction Fund) (2018). The emissions reduction fund interactive project map. Available at: http://www.cleanenergyregulator.gov.au/maps/Pages/erf-projects/index.html (accessed 7 March 2018).

Forrest, P. (2003). ‘A Rush for Grass: A History of the Western Queensland District of Ilfracombe.’ 2nd edn. (Murranji Press: Darwin, NT.)

Francis, H. (2016). NBN sky muster satellite service goes live. Available at: https://www.smh.com.au/technology/nbn-sky-muster-satellite-service-goes-live-20160429-gohzid.html (accessed 6 March 2018).

Fritze, J. G., Blashki, G. A., Burke, S., and Wiseman, J. (2008). Hope, despair and transformation: climate change and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing. International Journal of Mental Health Systems 2, 13.
Hope, despair and transformation: climate change and the promotion of mental health and wellbeing.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 18799005PubMed |

FRRR (Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal) (2018). Some relief for drought affected communities, but more help needed. Tackling Tough Times Together Round 6 – Table of grant recipients. Available at: http://www.frrr.org.au/cb_pages/news/TTTT_R6_Grant_Recipients.php (accessed 11 Match 2018).

Fussel, H. M. (2007). Vulnerability: a generally applicable conceptual framework for climate change research. Global Environmental Change 17, 155–167.
Vulnerability: a generally applicable conceptual framework for climate change research.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Gowen, R., and Bray, S. G. (2016). Bioeconomic modelling of woody regrowth carbon offset options in productive grazing systems. The Rangeland Journal 38, 307–317.
Bioeconomic modelling of woody regrowth carbon offset options in productive grazing systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Grain and Graze (2018). Ag commodity prices. Available at: http://agprice.grainandgraze3.com.au/ (accessed 6 March 2018).

Greiner, R., Mayocchi, C., Larson, S., Stoeckl, N., and Schweigert, R. (2004). ‘Benefits and Costs of Tourism for Remote Communities. Case Study for the Carpentaria Shire in North-West Queensland. Issues in Remote Area Tourism Series.’ (Tropical Savannas CRC: Townsville, Qld.)

Grigg, G. (1987). Kangaroos – a better economic base for our marginal grazing lands? Australian Zoologist 24, 73–80.
Kangaroos – a better economic base for our marginal grazing lands?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Hamilton-Smith, L. (2018). Kangaroo culling film labelled ‘misleading’ and a ‘beat-up’ by industry and minister. Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-03-06/kangaroo-film-beat-up-industry-says/9517506 (accessed 18 March 2018).

Harris, J. (2011). A big red classy trade training truck. Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/local/photos/2011/07/13/3268849.htm (accessed 19 March 2018).

Hart, C. R., Berry, H. L., and Tonna, A. M. (2011). Improving the mental health of rural New South Wales communities facing drought and other adversities. The Australian Journal of Rural Health 19, 231–238.
Improving the mental health of rural New South Wales communities facing drought and other adversities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 21933364PubMed |

Holmes, P., and McLean, I. (2017). Australian beef report. Bush AgriBusiness, Toowoomba. Available at: www.bushagri.com.au.

Hospers, G., and Reverda, N. (2014). ‘Managing Population Decline in Europe’s Urban and Rural Areas.’ (Springer International Publishing: Berlin.)

Hunt, L. P., McIvor, J. G., Grice, A. C., and Bray, S. G. (2014). Principles and guidelines for managing cattle grazing in the grazing lands of northern Australia: stocking rates, pasture resting, prescribed fire, paddock size and water points – a review. The Rangeland Journal 36, 105–119.
Principles and guidelines for managing cattle grazing in the grazing lands of northern Australia: stocking rates, pasture resting, prescribed fire, paddock size and water points – a review.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

ICPA (Isolated Children’s Parents’ Association) (2018). Boarding schools/school term hostels. Available at: https://www.icpa.com.au/issues/boarding.html (accessed 8 March 2018).

IPCC (Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change) (2014). ‘Climate Change 2014: Impacts, Adaptation, and Vulnerability. Summary for Policy Makers.’ (World Meteorological Organisation: Geneva, Switzerland.)

ISDR (2007). International Strategy for Disaster Reduction: 2 Drought, desertification and water scarcity. United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), Geneva, Switzerland. Available at: https://www.unisdr.org/we/inform/publications/3815 (accessed 9 March 2018).

James Cook University (2016). JCU enhances health services in Longreach. Available at: https://www.jcu.edu.au/news/releases/2016/march/jcu-enhances-health-services-in-longreach (accessed 9 March 2018).

James Cook University (2018). Generalist medical training is available in North West and Central West Queensland. Available at: https://www.jcu.edu.au/mount-isa-centre-for-rural-and-remote-health/education/generalist-medical-training (accessed 9 March 2018).

Kandulu, J. M., Bryan, B. A., King, D., and Connor, J. D. (2012). Mitigating economic risk from climate variability in rain-fed agriculture through enterprise mix diversification. Ecological Economics 79, 105–112.
Mitigating economic risk from climate variability in rain-fed agriculture through enterprise mix diversification.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Kasperson, R. E., Dow, K., Archer, E., Caceres, D., Downing, T., Elmqvist, T., Eriksen, S., Folke, C., Han, G., Iyengar, K., Vogel, C., Wilson, K., and Ziervogel, G. (2005). Vulnerable people and places. In: ‘Ecosystems and Human Well-being: Current State and Trends: Findings of the Condition and Trends Working Group.’ The millennium ecosystem assessment series. Vol. 1. (Eds R. Hassan, R. Scholes and N. Ash.) pp. 143–164. (Island Press: Washington, DC, USA.)

Kelly, D. (2018). Beyond the Dust. Impact of drought on town businesses in Central West Queensland and some solutions. Western Queensland Drought Appeal, Longreach. Available at: http://www.wqda.org.au (accessed 9 March 2018).

Kelly, D., and Phelps, D. G. (2019). Looking beyond the D.U.S.T. - building resilient rangeland communities. The Rangeland Journal 41, 233–250.

Kelly, D., Phelps, D., and Coombes, J. (2017). Drought: rain … cash … population … resilience. In: ‘Proceedings 19th Australian Rangelands Biennial Conference’. (Australian Rangeland Society: Mount Lawley, WA.)

Long Paddock (2017a). Rainfall percentile October 2012 to March 2013. Available at: https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/aussiegrass/ (accessed 11 March 2018).

Long Paddock (2017b). Rainfall percentile October 2013 to March 2014. Available at: https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/aussiegrass/ (accessed 11 March 2018).

Long Paddock (2019). Drought declarations situation maps. Available at: https://www.longpaddock.qld.gov.au/drought/drought-declarations/ (accessed 9 March 2019).

Longreach Plus More (2016). Game changing exclusion fence scheme. Available at: https://longreachplusmore.com.au/game-changing-exclusion-fence-scheme/ (accessed 8 March 2018).

LRC (Longreach Regional Council) (2018). Council buys local at record levels. Available at: http://www.longreach.qld.gov.au/council-news/-/asset_publisher/2sV60ARojxNa/content/council-buys-local-at-record-levels?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.longreach.qld.gov.au%2Fcouncil-news%3Fp_p_id%3D101_INSTANCE_2sV60ARojxNa%26p_p_lifecycle%3D0%26p_p_state%3Dnormal%26p_p_mode%3Dview%26p_p_col_id%3Dcolumn-2%26p_p_col_count%3D2 (accessed 9 March 2018).

MacTaggart, C., and Wee, M. (2016). Lessons from the land. As drought continues to take its toll, one Queensland family praises the efforts of Lions Australia. Available at: http://lionsclubs.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/7.-Country-Style-September-2016-Longreach-QLD-drought-1.pdf (accessed 6 March 2018).

Maru, Y. T., and Chewings, V. H. (2008). How can we identify socio-regions in the rangelands of Australia? The Rangeland Journal 30, 45–53.
How can we identify socio-regions in the rangelands of Australia?Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Maru, Y. T., McAllister, R. R. J., and Stafford Smith, M. (2007). Modelling community interactions and social capital dynamics: the case of regional and rural communities of Australia. Agricultural Systems 92, 179–200.
Modelling community interactions and social capital dynamics: the case of regional and rural communities of Australia.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Maru, Y. T., Stafford Smith, M., Sparrow, A., Pino, P. F., and Dube, O. P. (2014). A linked vulnerability and resilience framework for adaptation pathways in remote and disadvantaged communities. Global Economic Change 28, 337–350.
A linked vulnerability and resilience framework for adaptation pathways in remote and disadvantaged communities.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mawson, M. (2010). ‘Kangaroo Industry Wild Game Training Initiative.’ (Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation: Canberra.)

McAllister, R. R. J., Cheers, B., Darba, T., Davies, J., Richards, C., Robinson, C. J., Ashley, M., Fernando, D., and Maru, Y. T. (2008). Social networks in arid Australia: a review of concepts and evidence. The Rangeland Journal 30, 167–176.
Social networks in arid Australia: a review of concepts and evidence.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

McCarthy, J. J., Canziani, O. F., Leary, N. A., Dokken, D. J., and White, K. S. (2001). ‘Climate change 2001: Impacts, adaptation, and vulnerability. Contribution of Working Group II to the Third Assessment. Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.’ (Cambridge University Press: Cambridge, UK.)

McKeon, G., Hall, W., Henry, B., Stone, G., and Watson, I. (Eds) (2004). ‘Pasture Degradation and Recovery in Australia’s Rangelands: Learning from History.’ (Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy: Brisbane, Qld.)

MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia) (2017a). Cattle numbers – as at June 2016. Natural Resource Management Region. Published August 2017 by Meat & Livestock Australia Limited. Available at: https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/prices–markets/documents/trends–analysis/fast-facts–maps/mla_cattle-numbers-map-2016-17.pdf (accessed 9 March 2018).

MLA (Meat & Livestock Australia) (2017b). Sheep numbers – as at June 2016. Natural Resource Management Region. Meat & Livestock Australia Limited. Available at: https://www.mla.com.au/globalassets/mla-corporate/prices–markets/documents/trends–analysis/fast-facts–maps/sheep-map/sheep-numbers-map-2016-17.pdf (accessed 9 March 2018).

Moffat, A. G. I. (1987). ‘The Longreach Story: A History of Longreach and Shire.’ (Jacaranda Press: Milton, Qld.)

Moore, A., and Moore, B. (2016). Cash boost for small business owners battling drought in outback Queensland. Weatherzone, Monday, 20 June 2016 – 13:51 EST. Available at: http://www.weatherzone.com.au/news/cash-boost-for-small-business-owners-battling-drought-in-outback-queensland/524463 (accessed 9 March 2018).

Murray, L. (2016). Killing two birds with one stone: fencing loans to boost employment and productivity in the bush. ABC western Queensland news. Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/news/2016-12-07/killing-two-birds-with-oine-stone-fencing-loans-boost-employment/8100592 (accessed 8 March 2018).

Olston, R. (2008). Farina: from fibbers to ghost town. Journal of the Historical Society of South Australia 36, 101–111.

OQTA (Outback Queensland Tourism Association) (2018). About outback Queensland tourism. Available at: https://www.outbackqueensland.com.au/about-oqta/ (accessed 20 September 2018).

Page, A., and Fragar, L. (2002). Suicide in Australian farming 1988–1997. Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry 36, 81–85.
Suicide in Australian farming 1988–1997.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 11929442PubMed |

Pegler, L., Moore, R., and Bently, D. (2002). Bore drain replacement in south-west Queensland: benefits and costs for land managers. The Rangeland Journal 24, 185–206.
Bore drain replacement in south-west Queensland: benefits and costs for land managers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Perkins, I. (2013). Wild dog check fence feasibility study. LPM Creative Rural Solutions, Stanthorpe Qld. Available at: http://www.southwestnrm.org.au/sites/default/files/uploads/ihub/wild-dog-check-fencefeasibility-study-october-2013.pdf (accessed 2 July 2017).

Pittock, B. (2011). Co-benefits of large-scale renewables in remote Australia: energy futures and climate change. The Rangeland Journal 33, 315–325.
Co-benefits of large-scale renewables in remote Australia: energy futures and climate change.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Productivity Commission (2017a). Transitioning regional economies. Productivity Commission Study Report, December 2017. Australian Government, Canberra.

Productivity Commission (2017b). Transitioning regional economies, Productivity Commission Initial Report, April 2017. Australian Government, Canberra.

QGSO (Queensland Government Statisticians Office) (2018a). Queensland regional profiles. Resident profile – people who live in the region. Available at: http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/ (accessed 3 February 2018).

QGSO (Queensland Government Statisticians Office) (2018b). Queensland regional profiles. Workforce profile – people who work in the region. Available at: http://www.qgso.qld.gov.au/ (accessed 3 February 2018).

QRIDA (Queensland Rural and Industry Development Authority) (2017). Queensland rural debt survey 2017. Available at: http://www.qrida.qld.gov.au/about-qrida/publications/rural-debt-survey (accessed 8 August 2018).

QTIC (Queensland Tourism Industry Council) (2017). QTIC submission – inquiry into opportunities and methods for stimulating the tourism industry in Northern Australia. South Brisbane, Qld. Available at: https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Northern_Australia/TourismIndustry/Submissions (accessed 6 March 2018).

Queensland Government (2017). Showcase awards for excellence in schools: award recipients. Available at: http://education.qld.gov.au/community/events/showcase/award-recipients.html (accessed 18 March 2018).

Queensland Government (2018). Media statement. $700M energy boost for regional Queensland jobs. Available at: http://statements.qld.gov.au/Statement/2017/3/2/700m-energy-boost-for-regional-queensland-jobs (accessed 8 March 2018).

Queensland Rural Debt and Drought Taskforce (2016). Rural debt and drought task force. April 2016. Chairman’s report. Addressing debt and drought problems in rural Queensland. Available at: https://publications.qld.gov.au/dataset/rural-debt-and-drought-taskforce-report (accessed 9 March 2018).

Radio National (2015). Longreach: from grazier to tourism entrepreneur. Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/longreach3a-from-grazier-to-tourism-entrepreneur/6841600 (accessed 1 March 2018).

Radio National (2016a). Outback yacht club opens in Longreach. Available at: http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/breakfast/outback-yacht-cub-opens-in-longreach/8004360 (accessed 1 March 2018).

Radio National (2016b). Longreach: off farming enterprise. Available at:http://www.abc.net.au/radionational/programs/saturdayextra/off-farming-enterprise/6915332 (accessed 1 March 2018).

RAI (Regional Australia Institute) (2017). RAPAD pathfinder report. Available at: https://www.rapad.com.au/assets/Documents/Media-Releases/RAPAD-Pathfinder-Report-July-2017.pdf (accessed 23 September 2018).

RAPAD (Remote Area Planning and Development Board) (2017). RAPAD region. Available at:http://www.rapad.com.au (accessed 1 April 2017).

RAPAD (Remote Area Planning and Development Board) (2018). RAPAD Strategic Plan 2018–2020. Proactively shaping and creating a prosperous future for the RAPAD region of Outback Queensland. Available at: https://www.rapad.com.au/assets/Uploads/RAPAD-Strategic-Plan-2018-20-print.pdf (accessed 3 March 2019).

REMPLAN (2017). Regional economic analysis. Available at: http://www.remplan.com.au/ (accessed 10 October 2017).

Sartore, G., Kelly, B., Stain, H., Albrecht, G., and Higginbotham, N. (2008). Control, uncertainty, and expectations for the future: a qualitative study of the impact of drought on a rural Australian community. Rural and Remote Health 8, 950.
| 18702570PubMed |

Stafford Smith, M., and Cribb, J. (2009). ‘Dry Times: A Blueprint for a Red Land.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic.)

Stafford Smith, M., and Huigen, J. (2009). From desert syndrome to desert system: developing a science of desert living. Dialogue - Academy of the Social Sciences 28, 8–18.

Stafford Smith, M., McKeon, G. M., Watson, I. W., Henry, B. K., Stone, G. S., Hall, W. B., and Howden, S. M. (2007). Learning from episodes of degradation and recovery in variable Australian rangelands. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 104, 20690–20695.
Learning from episodes of degradation and recovery in variable Australian rangelands.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Stoeckl, N., Stanley, O., Brown, V., and Stoeckl, W. (2007). Regional economic multipliers in Australia’s tropical savannas. Report for the Tropical Savannas CRC May 2007.

Stokes, C. J., and Howden, S. M. (Eds) (2010). ‘Adapting Agriculture to Climate Change: Preparing Australian Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries for the Future.’ (CSIRO Publishing: Melbourne, Vic.)

Stone, R. (2014). Constructing a frame work for national drought policy: the way forward – the way Australia developed and implemented the national drought policy. Weather and Climate Extremes 3, 117–125.
Constructing a frame work for national drought policy: the way forward – the way Australia developed and implemented the national drought policy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Taffa, V. P. (2015). Central West Rural Wellness Network receives a boost. The Southern Thunderer. Available at: https://www.southernthunderer.com.au/central-west-rural-wellness-network-receives-a-boost/ (accessed 7 March 2018).

Taylor, J., Ffowcs-Williams, I., and Crowe, M. (2008). Linking desert businesses: the impetus, the practicalities, the emerging pay-offs, and building on the experiences. The Rangeland Journal 30, 187–195.
Linking desert businesses: the impetus, the practicalities, the emerging pay-offs, and building on the experiences.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Telstra (2018). Our coverage, coverage map. Available at: https://www.telstra.com.au/coverage-networks/our-coverage (accessed 6 March 2018).

Tourism & Events Queensland (2017). Outback regional snapshot. Three year average – year ending September 2017. Available at: www.teq.queensland.com (accessed 3 February 2018).

TRA (Tourism Research Australia) (2015). Australian tourism labour force report: 2015–2020 (October 2015). Deloitte Access Economics. Available at: https://www.tra.gov.au/Research/View-all-publications/All-Publications/australian-tourism-labour-force-report-2015-2020 (accessed 22 June 2019).

UNDP/UNSO (2000). Report on the status of drought preparedness and mitigation in sub-Saharan Africa. UN Development Program, Office to Combat Desertification and Drought, New York.

Vorrath, S. (2018). Queensland’s largest solar farm now feeding power to the grid. Available at: http://reneweconomy.com.au/queenslands-largest-solar-farm-now-feeding-power-grid-47981/ (accessed 8 March 2018).

Walker, H. (2017). Remote off the track fitness training a Telstra finalist. Available at: http://www.queenslandcountrylife.com.au/story/4757740/joy-all-business-in-new-award/ (accessed 6 March 2018).

Walker, B., Holling, C. S., Carpenter, S. R., and Kinzig, A. (2004). Resilience, adaptability and transformability in social-ecological systems. Ecology and Society 9, art5.
Resilience, adaptability and transformability in social-ecological systems.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Walker, B. W., Porter, D. J., and Marsh, I. (2012). ‘Fixing the Hole in Australia’s Heartland: How Government Needs to Work in Remote Australia.’ (Desert Knowledge Australia: Alice Springs, NT.)

Wilhite, D. A. (2000). Drought as a natural hazard: concepts and definitions. In: ‘Drought: A Global Assessment. Vol. 1’. (Ed. D. A. Wilhite.) pp. 3–18. (Routledge Publishers: London, UK.)

Wilhite, D. A., Svoboda, M. D., and Hayes, M. J. (2007). Understanding the complex impacts of drought: a key to enhancing drought mitigation and preparedness. Water Resources Management 21, 763–774.
Understanding the complex impacts of drought: a key to enhancing drought mitigation and preparedness.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wilhite, D. A., Sivakumar, M. V. K., and Pulwarty, R. (2014). Managing drought risk in a changing climate: the role of national drought policy. Weather and Climate Extremes 3, 4–13.
Managing drought risk in a changing climate: the role of national drought policy.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Witt, G. B., Noëla, M. V., Bird, M. I., Beeton, R. J. S., and Menzies, N. W. (2011). Carbon sequestration and biodiversity restoration potential of semi-arid mulga lands of Australia interpreted from long-term grazing exclosures. Agriculture, Ecosystems & Environment 141, 108–118.
Carbon sequestration and biodiversity restoration potential of semi-arid mulga lands of Australia interpreted from long-term grazing exclosures.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

WQDA (Western Queensland Drought Appeal) (2017). Western Queensland Drought Appeal: about us. Available at: http://www.wqda.org.au/ (accessed 28 July 2017).