from the ABC …..

Howard urges calm as drought takes hold

Prime Minister John Howard says Australians need to keep a sense of perspective amid growing concerns about the drought.

The Federal Government today released the first stage of a national assessment of Australia's water resources, which found there is considerable room for improvement.

There is growing concern about rainfall, with meteorologists warning the Government that Australia is in the grip of its worst drought ever.

Mr Howard says it is a very grim outlook but the Government will give all available help to farmers and will review drought assistance next week.

He has told Southern Cross Broadcasting he expects the drought to leave a big impression on the national psyche.

"We all psychologically have mood swings related to what's happening in the bush," he said.

"I think Australians living in the cities identify with the bush still, very strongly.

"It's part of our history, part of being Australian, and when the bush is suffering we feel it. 

Mr Howard says Australia has to obliterate state borders when it comes to water supply.

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Gus: if today's temperature is not an indication of coming global warming ... what is?

I urge the Prime Minister to wake up, stop dilly-farting about it and start enforcing reduction of CO2 and methane by as much as 70 per cent today; not in 40 years time when the levels of these gases in the atmosphere will reach records not seen since about 80 million years ago or such ... with sea levels at more than 250 metres above present levels.

I urge the Prime Minister to influence is buddy in Washington to stop his stupid war theatrics and enforce massive reduction of CO2 quota TODAY ...