With over 90 percent of Australia’s $1.5 billion dollar cotton industry reliant on irrigation, cotton growers need to be particularly resilient, especially in times of drought. Just over 85 percent of the crop in Australia is grown in the Murray-Darling Basin, which is suffering from seven years of drought. The industry has in turn suffered a dramatic downturn in production, with the 2007/08 season seeing the smallest crop planted for 30 years.
Growers have had to reduce their plantings by up to 85 per cent and this has had a devastating effect on the rural communities that have grown and prospered as a result of the development of the cotton industry over the last 50 years.
Wee Waa—A community in drought
In 2007 a study was conducted by the Cotton Catchment Communities CRC into the impact of the drought on small businesses in the cotton growing rural community of Wee Waa, NSW. Overall the study found the continuing drought has had a dramatic impact on the community of Wee Waa. This impact has been felt by many sectors including local businesses, schools and health organisations. Despite this, the community is already looking at positive and achievable options that can improve the wellbeing of Wee Waa.
The drought impact study of businesses in Wee Waa in 2007, compared to 2001 found:
- Permanent staff numbers fell 60% between 2004 and 2007
- Casual employment fell 40%
- Two-thirds of employees who lost their jobs left the region
- 60% of businesses have downsized as a result of the drought
- 95% of businesses had a 60% or greater reliance on a healthy cotton industry
- Combined Wee Waa Primary and Secondary school numbers declined by a total of 128 students (21%)
Click here to download the full results of the study.
