High-tech radars for Tasmania and Victoria

The Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) has installed a state-of the-art radar to take over from the West Takone weather watch radar in north-west Tasmania. Replacing the previous radar at Loones Hill, West Takone, the new radar is said to provide more frequent, more detailed rainfall images and Doppler wind data.

The radar will provide uninterrupted 24-hour weather watch coverage to north-west Tasmania, boosting the state’s weather observation technology. Its images are almost twice as frequent as before, now arriving every six minutes.

With increased data frequency, and Doppler capability to provide wind information, the radar’s upgraded services will help forecasters to detect and monitor severe weather events and give emergency services critical information. It will be valuable not just for local communities, but for the region’s mining and agricultural sectors as well.

The news follows Environment Minister Greg Hunt’s recent announcement that the Australian Government will provide $3.25 million to improve weather infrastructure and forecasting capabilities for the Wimmera region in country Victoria.

The funding will go towards the operation of a Doppler radar service in the Wimmera region over the next 15 years. The Australian Government support will link with funding provided by the Victorian Government for the capital cost of the project.

Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad said the project will improve the productivity of farmers in the Wimmera region significantly, providing real-time weather data that enables farmers to make informed decisions.

“The Wimmera is a major agricultural region and the radar has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits,” he said.

The BOM will choose the site for the radar and will be responsible for the operation and maintenance of the radar station. Subject to Victorian Government approval, services are expected to be delivered by 1 July 2018.

Image caption: The new radar at West Takone.