The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment
Phil Thompson MP, Member for Herbert
Senator Susan McDonald, Senator for Queensland
As La Niña threatens a wet and stormy summer across North Queensland, the Morrison Government is delivering on a promise to strengthen the region’s radar network.
Minister for the Environment Sussan Ley announced that the Greenvale radar, sited north west of Charters Towers will go live from this afternoon (Tuesday November 30).
“The radar is the first of four Queensland Doppler Radars promised by the Morrison Government in a $77.2 million commitment made in the aftermath of the 2019 floods,” Minister Ley said.
“The new Greenvale radar forms part of the most significant upgrade to the Bureau’s radar and observation network in a generation.
“By June 2024, the Bureau of Meteorology will deliver 8 new radars, plus upgrades to 46 radars, nearly 700 automatic weather stations and 200 flood warning network assets across the country.”
Member for Herbert Phillip Thompson said construction of the new radar was another example of the Morrison Government working with local communities to safeguard the lives and livelihoods of North Queenslanders.
“This helps farmers and graziers make timely decisions that are critical for their businesses. It also gives local emergency services a better idea of the conditions being faced across the community,” Mr Thompson said.
“Not only do we have the usual summer weather to contend with, but the Bureau has also declared a La Niña event in the Pacific Ocean and the new radar will help communities be more informed about forecasts and warnings during the severe weather season.
“That has a flow on effect for all of us – from families making holiday plans, to farmers and fisherman, emergency services and the tourism industry.”
Senator McDonald said the Morrison Government was committed to ensuring North Queenslanders have access to the weather information they need when it matters most.
“After weeks of testing the Greenvale radar is now ready to go live across Upper Burdekin communities, particularly helping those along parts of the Flinders, Gilbert, Mitchell and Herbert River catchments,” she said.
“The Bureau’s technicians will closely monitor radar performance in the months ahead ensuring that communities have access to radar images.”
