http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24373612/

Australia's government plans to spend about $2.9 billion to buy river water from farmers in a bid to address the country's worst drought in a century.

The spending is the most expensive component of a $12.1 billion, 10-year plan to reduce water waste and improve water efficiency on Australian farms and in cities.

"Climate change means most Australian cities and towns have less water and we can no longer rely on local rainfall to supply all our drinking water," Minister for Climate Change and Water Penny Wong said in a statement Tuesday.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/24352967/

TRENTON, Ga. - Residents of Dade County have spent much of their history feeling ignored by the rest the state. ... But the county of 16,000 is finally getting some attention thanks to a historic drought — and the fact that it's the only part of Georgia that's a stone's throw from the massive Tennessee River.

The county's main industry is manufacturing, and it is home to a growing number of retirees and hang gliders who seek the fresh mountain air and sweeping vistas.

Thanks to Ron Gleason