Acclaimed poet's words prove a prophecy of despair

Following these very severe rains, the Great Barrier Reef's marine animals and corals would have to be in some ways affected

Farmer looking over drought-stricken land. Picture: VMJones

"DROUGHTS and flooding rains” - I wonder if Dorothea Mackellar could have ever, in her wildest imaginings, have realised what a prophecy of despair her poetry foretold.

For the many north-western graziers who have seen their valuable herds killed from (prior to the floods), drought then hypothermia, drowning and possibly a bullet to ease their awful misery, Dorothea's words are all too relevant.

We can now understand from aerial pictures, how Queensland would look as part of an inland sea.

Following these very severe rains, the Great Barrier Reef's marine animals and corals would have to be in some ways affected given the amount of chemicals and debris which will eventually wash out to sea.

Meanwhile, the drought continues unabated in southwestern parts of Queensland and in New South Wales.

Would not a balanced weather pattern be worth all the rice in China, were it to be attained?

Our hearts go out to the people on the land who have to deal with these contingencies daily.

CLAIRE JOLLIFFE

Buderim

Originally published as Acclaimed poet's words prove a prophecy of despair