The Department of Primary Industries DroughtHub Map shows Goulburn Mulwaree is officially in drought, while parts of the the Upper Lachlan and Yass Shires have fared better and are listed as drought-affected. 

It has prompted the NSW RFS to alert landowners to the potential for an increased risk of bushfires as the fire season approaches. 

But the lack of rain has also kept down fuel loads on the ground, which may help in controlling grass fires. 

NSW RFS spokesperson Daniel Osborne said the lack of meaningful rain has resulted in less than average fuel loadings across much of the Southern Tablelands, in grassland areas in particular.

“The deficiency in rain, above average temperatures and several significant frost events which have lowered the fuel moisture content quite significantly,” he said.

“However, we are still seeing in grasslands that have not been grazed out and in forest and bush areas, that the landscape is continuing to carry fire.”

He said as recently as this week (July 17), several RFS crews responded to a scrub fire on Brayton Road at Big Hill, which had burnt about  0.4ha of bushland.

“On arrival crews reported flame heights averaging 1m, which is not common for this time of the year,” he said. 

He estimated that on average the current grassland fuel loading is 1-2 tonnes per hectare, which is quite low compared to previous years. 

Mr Osborne warned landowners to remain vigilant. 

“It is extremely important for residents not to become complacent with the use of fire on their property,” he said.

“In the past few weeks our crews have attended several fires that have either not been notified to the RFS or have escaped from the landholders control.

“Prior to lighting any fire, the residents need to be confident that the fire can be contained and controlled within the specified area and that the fire is completely extinguished at the conclusion.

He said outside of the Bush Fire Danger Period (generally from April to September) fire permits are not required in Rural Fire District.

“However there are still some legal requirements that residents need to ensure they adhere to prior to burning,” Mr Osborne said. 

These requirements may include:

Mr Osborne said residents should conduct year round maintenance to their property, including: 

Meanwhile, Local Land Services Senior Agricultural Advisor Matthew Lieschke said there has been well below average rainfall for the start of the year. 

“From January to the end of June - the Bureau of Meteorology is saying the rainfall across the state is between decile one and three, which means it is well-below average (decile 4-7 is average),’ he said. 

”The areas between Goulburn and Braidwood has been particularly dry over the last 12 months and this trend has continued. These areas recorded bet 20-25mm for June, which is well below the average of 40mm.

He saidthere had been better rainfall in the Upper Lachlan and Yass Shies, with an average 40-50 mm rain, which is slightly above average.

“Crookwell, Gunning, Boorowa and Yass and Bigga seem to have got more rain coming from those westerly fronts and dropping out before it got to Goulburn,” he said. 

“As a result they are sitting in a better position. 

“In areas where people have got stock off country to build up pasture, the pastures have been responding to moisture and relatively mild temperatures. 

“We have been getting some big frosts recently, which has knocked things around, but there will be better pasture growth from a frost and sunny day than an overcast day and not getting above 8 degrees.

Mr Lieschke said soil moisture probes across the district are showing there is a bit of moisture in the top 20-30cm due to the June rainfall, but in many locations the subsoil is “bone dry.” 

“We don’t have a lot in reserve. Those areas that got 50mm for June have more soil moisture, but we will need a lot more rain before spring. The next six weeks will be critical,” he said. 

“Good rain will get some moisture in the profile will be a buffer heading into spring, but if we don’t get decent rain before the end of August we will be in a vulnerable position going into spring.

A number of extra probes have been recently added to the network, including a probe at Bungonia. This website will provide invaluable information over the coming months and I encourage producers to keep an eye on local trends which is available at soilmoistureprobes.com.au.

 “A lot of producers have cut into their flocks and herds already and now they are in the thick of lambing and calving. Depending on what happens over the coming months, they may be forced to reduce stock numbers further.”