A new $5 million radar, planned for Mildura, will benefit three states.
Environment Minister Sussan Ley says communities surrounding Mildura, as well as those in south-western NSW and northern South Australia are a step closer to improved coverage, after the Bureau of Meteorology signed the site lease for the new radar.
The current Mildura radar is the second-oldest of more than 60 radars, operated by the BoM's.
The new radar will be built on a site about 45km west of Mildura, in Culluleraine.
Ms Ley said it would deliver improved coverage and weather information to the surrounding regions.
"I know how much regional communities depend on good weather information, and that's why we are undertaking this significant body of work to uplift the country's radar network," Ms Ley said.
"We are committed to supporting regional Australia and this new radar, along with the broader improvements of the country's radar network, will be critical in helping businesses make better decisions and keep communities safe from the impacts of severe weather."
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On current plans, the Mildura facility should be operational in early 2021, though the current COVID-19 restrictions were presenting extra challenges.
Using the latest technology, the new radar will provide coverage extending over Mildura and the surrounding area, into southern New South Wales and across to the South Australian Riverland.
Ms Ley said this would provide vastly improved weather services to important agricultural areas in the region.
"Technological improvements will include Doppler capability and Dual Pol technology," she said.
"This means we can measure not just where particles are in the sky, but also how fast they are moving and what kind of particles they are likely to be. It will detect rain drops, hail, bushfire plumes, rain intensity, and wind velocity - essentially, improved real-time weather services for the community,."
The replacement of the Mildura radar is being funded by the Australian Government and is part of a multi-year project to upgrade or replace the Bureau's entire network.
Work is also under way to install three new radars throughout western NSW, funded by the NSW Government.
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Andrew Miller
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
I'm a general reporter with Stock & Land, with a special interest in irrigation issues. I completed my cadetship, with the Age, in 1980. Over my career, I've worked for ABC radio news (Mt Isa, Qld) and at provincial and suburban newspapers.
