October 14, 2007
Drought Affected
After Broken Hill we once more hooked a right and headed for Brisbane. Our Tom Tom (which wasn’t much use to us in the outback, but came in very handy in the major cities) indicated that we had 585km of straight roads ahead of us.
After 585 km turn right…
Straight roads…
I have been told that the people putting in the roads were given premiums for curved stretches (they’d take more effort). Supposedly they ended up adding curves where none were required. I am glad they did, because these straight roads, although fun to drive, are both hypnotic and tiresome.
And a curve…
We came across some interesting townships along the way, such as Wilcannia (of Wilcannia Mob fame). These towns have been hit hard by the ongoing drought. It is sad to see the state they are in.
Living in the city, you don’t fully realise the affect of the drought has on these areas. You read the reports, but life goes on like normal for most city dwellers. Yes, produce gets more expensive, and we all take shorter showers, and no longer hose our lawns. But on the whole we still have our jobs, our fun, our dignity.
For these outback people it is a different story. We spoke with friendly, but fairly depressed looking propiertors of a small cafe. They mentioned that since the town’s largest employer, the roo processing plant, had moved to another town many people left with it. This, of course had an adverse effect on their own business, which seemed like it had seen better days. It had been years since they had a decent rain, and many months since the last sprinkle.
Close to one of the drought affected townships
The drought can make people very depressed, with all ensuing problems: alcoholism, increased rates of suicide, divorce, break ups of both families and friendships…