About the project: Improved seasonal forecasting for wool producers in western Queensland Pastoral Zone

This project is funded by Land, Water & Wool, an initiative of Australian Wool Innovation Limited (AWI) and Land & Water Australia.

Improved seasonal climate forecasts enabling stocking rates to be better matched to feed availability is a priority for the long-term sustainability and productivity of Australia's wool industry. The western pastoral zone of Queensland is home to up to 500 wool-growing families. The Land, Water & Wool research project 'Improved seasonal forecasts for Wool Producers in the western Queensland Pastoral Zone' aims to deliver accurate, region-specific seasonal forecasts to these growers, enabling them to make productive and environmentally-sound management decisions based on potential rainfall.

The purpose of this site is to provide climate information including seasonal forecasts for western Queensland primary producers. The products and climatic descriptions are customised specifically for pastoral management systems located in western Queensland. Maps show the main towns and shire boundaries. The seasonal forecasts are issued for rainfall and pasture growth including a measure of their skill. Skill indicates the confidence that the forecast probabilities will represent the actual outcome. The climate information includes educational material and simple explanations of other websites that help interpret climatic conditions in western Queensland (e.g. sea surface temperatures, Madden Julian Oscillation, westerly winds). The educational material helps with understanding of a range of climatic terms including probabilities, medians and skill.

Your comments about this website are appreciated.
Contact us: DPI&F, PO Box 102, Toowoomba 4350
Phone: 07 46881200

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Last updated 31 October 2006