A Climate Council report launched this week has found the Central West is facing a dangerous summer, with drought conditions continuing and more heatwaves forecast.
Author of the report Will Steffen said for the past three years Orange and Dubbo had failed to receive adequate winter rainfall, with higher than usual temperatures.
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"Orange and Dubbo are currently facing severe water shortages and this summer is shaping up as a terrible trifecta of heatwaves, droughts and bushfires, with no reprieve for the Central West," Dr Steffen said.
The non-government organisation which produced the report is made up of climate experts from several fields, including a fire fighter, scientists and an energy systems specialists.
Dr Steffen said the report was drafted in an attempt to get accurate climate change information out to the public.
It was launched at sheep farmer Rob Lee's property, 45 minutes from Orange.
Mr Lee said he's been anxious about a changing climate for more than 15 years and has spent more than $100,000 installing troughs and pumps to deliver bore water to his livestock, as the dam water isn't reliable.
"We can see the conditions changing out here. We have less rainfall, winters are getting drier, the surface water is no longer reliable and dams are drying up," Mr Lee said.
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Alex Crowe
Alex covers science and environment issues, with a focus on local Canberra stories. alex.crowe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Alex covers science and environment issues, with a focus on local Canberra stories. alex.crowe@austcommunitymedia.com.au
