From April 1982 to March 1983, almost all of eastern Australia was severely affected by drought. Large parts of south-eastern Australia suffered their lowest rainfall on record.

The impact of the 'Great Dry' was felt most in farming areas with massive crop and livestock losses. A total of 86 million sheep and 14 million cattle died as a result. Wheat production fell by 37 per cent, with similar falls in barley, oats, rice, cotton and sugar.

Dust storms caused the loss of millions of dollars worth of topsoil.