The weather radar in Bairnsdale has returned to service after a series of upgrades were made.
Local MP Darren Chester has welcomed the $600,000 upgrade and said it would improve accuracy, reliability and precision of weather reports to East Gippsland residents.
“This upgrade won’t only benefit residents but also those in the agriculture, fishing, forestry and tourism sectors who rely on an accurate and reliable weather forecast,” Mr Chester said.
“The upgrade includes an all new operating system with a state-of-the-art digital receiver and control system.
“The radar now provides Doppler wind data, which means the Bureau of Meteorology will be able to monitor wind speed and direction in the upper atmosphere and provide this to the community and emergency services.
“After the devastating bushfires last summer improved weather services will allow emergency services to better prepare and assess weather patterns.”
Mr Chester said the Doppler would help to analyse the structure of thunderstorms and determine the strength of approaching storms.
“This upgrade will ensure East Gippsland has access to the best weather information and tools to aid decision making in emergency weather situations,” Mr Chester said.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley said ensuring East Gippsland had access to the best weather service has been a major priority.
“The bushfires of last summer are still fresh in our minds, with so many still in the process of rebuilding after the devastation,” Minister Ley said.
“We want to ensure the community has access to the best weather information and tools to help decision making, which is why we prioritised the upgrade of the Bairnsdale radar.
“It is part of the Australian Government’s bushfire recovery investment and our ongoing commitment to the East Gippsland Region.”
The upgrade is part of a nation-wide projects funded by the Australian Government to update and standardise Australia’s fleet of weather radars.
To view images from the upgraded Bairnsdale radar visit: www.bom.gov.au