Drought results in Aussie man's murder

Drought-stricken Australia is struggling to cope with the worst dry spell on record, which has even resulted in murder.

The two rivers which feed the Murray-Darling basin in the southeast of the country are so low that there will soon only be enough water for drinking supplies.

Sydney resident Kenny Proctor, 66, was watering his lawn when he was allegedly accused by passer-by Todd Munter, 36, of wasting the precious resource.

The pair reportedly argued and Mr Procter is said to have turned his hose on Munter who allegedly retaliated by kicking and punching him to the ground.

The grandfather suffered a heart attack and died. Ironically he had been watering his garden at one of the few times permitted - after 4pm on a Wednesday.

The drought is affecting businesses and industries up and down the country, including farming and wine-making.

According to the Australian Financial Review, 1,000 of the country's 7,500 grape growers could be forced to leave the industry.

The Murray-Darling Basin supplies 60 to 70 per cent of Australia's wine grape output and most growers are operating with only 16 per cent of their water entitlement, the Review said.

Last week's election was won by Paul Rudd's Labour Party and he made climate change a central plank of their campaign.

This week, Mr Rudd will sign the Kyoto protocols - but will it be too little too late?

© Independent Television News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

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