A message received this morning highlighted just how bad the drought is around Australia.

Catherine James is the Ringmaster for Toowoomba Show, which begins on Wednesday 21st March, 2007 and as she understands it, Catherine was the first woman in Australia to be appointed as a Ringmaster. This job came her way in 2002 after being firstly a steward and then Chief Steward for 5 years.

This is the message for all competitors coming in for the show and please take it seriously:

"Just a note to let you know that as of 5.00pm this afternoon (March 15th) the Showgrounds had to change from bore water to town water, which means we are on Level 5 restrictions. I would ask all those that can to bring their own water. Wash bays will not have any hoses although in saying that there will be enough water to "water" your horse. Washing will be an issue (well it wont be happening!!) and I expect to see horses washed by bucket. I will inform the judges of this situation so competitors will not be penalised. Please bear with us - god willing it will rain (a lot!!!!) soon. We are a great show society but we don't have total acess to the "gold" phone!!!"

Regards, Catherine James - Ringmaster
Toowoomba Royal Show

When things get to the point where the bores (water wells) are drying up it is getting dangerous and serious. When I asked Catherine whether she could ever remember water restrictions affecting the show before, she explained that they run from bore water and so no, there has never been a problem, until now because the bore has dried up and they must run from town water, which faces level 5 water restrictions.

The level 5 restrictions are as follow:Level 5 water restrictions apply from 26 September 2006

Prohibited: ALL outside watering using town water with any watering device. This includes potted plants as well as gardens.

Permitted by use of bucket (20 litres capacity) filled directly from a tap:
Washing vehicle windscreens, windows, mirrors & headlight lenses
Wheelie bins for hygiene
Washing animals, their pens & kennels
Greywater from laundry & showers/baths on gardens and lawns within the property boundary

Level 5 - Dams useable storage - Less than 20%
Trigger point to lift restrictions back to level 4, 30%
Hand-held hosing Not permitted
Watering systems not approved by Council - Not permitted
Council approved drip irrigation systems - Not permitted
Bucket / watering can - Not permitted
New turf - Not permitted
Carnival of Flowers gardeners or residents with special circumstances - Not permitted
Cleaning paved areas - Not permitted
Motor vehicle washing Windows, mirrors and light lenses only from a bucket
Washing of buildings - Not permitted

I asked Catherine whether there is there any chance of rains in the near future being predicted and how would people feel, do you think, if the rains came during the show? The answer was:

"Long range forecasts keep telling us that March/April there is a high chance of above average rainfall. Without wishing to sound negative - we have heard this before!! Though predictions still look very positive for April - fingers and toes are crossed.

In regards to what people would think if we had a wet show - who cares!!! (especially if it is a lot of rain). Seriously there would be the "usual suspects" that would complain but on the whole people would be thrilled - especially if it was a decent amount rain and widespread. Main arena has great drainage and can cope with quite a lot of rain, so the show would go on."

The conversation turned to discussion on how, if at all, the water restrictions would affect the people living on the land and Catherine explained that the people on the land are always careful with their water useage as they rely on bores and dams and seeing as both are now drying up at an alarming rate, they are trying to do without as much as humanly possible.

Catherine then went on to say "I am not sure whether you are aware but a huge amount of eastern Australia is in drought and the suicide rate amongst farmers is just shocking. Water on the land has also become a major issue - bores, dams, rivers etc are all drying up - people are carting water to keep their stock alive."

So the next time those in Ireland and the UK are thinking of complaining about the incessant rain remember this last request Catherine sent me - "please feel free to send us some of your rain" but in the true spirit of the Aussie battler, the Toowoomba Royal Show will go on and no doubt most people will be very careful about how they use water and the organisers will keep us posted on the results so check back for more info on this show with a great tradition which is held about 2 hours west of Brisbane in Queensland.

The organisers are delighted that entries are up by 800+ on last years number and so people, despite the harsh conditions, are continuing to enjoy their horses and support this lovely show.