New technology to improve weather intelligence for WA farms

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Image credit: www.bom.gov.au

The Bureau of Meteorology will install and maintain Doppler radars at three sites across WA’s agricultural region thanks to a $23 million investment under the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program.

Image credit: www.bom.gov.au
Image credit: www.bom.gov.au

Agriculture and Food Minister Ken Baston said the program builds on the Government’s unprecedented investment in the agricultural sector under the $300 million Seizing the Opportunity in Agriculture initiative.

According to him, the investment would transform the way Western Australian farmers do business by providing them with real-time weather information.

“This transformational technology is about taking farming to the next level,” Mr Baston said.

Adertisement

“Doppler radars offer real-time information on weather systems and rainfall intensity that will enable farm businesses to make more informed decisions around sowing, fertiliser and chemical applications.”

Regional Development Minister Terry Redman said weather was “one of the most important drivers” contributing to the success of farm businesses.

“Radar coverage will also provide invaluable information to emergency service providers and the transport industry and enhance community safety during extreme weather,” Mr Redman said.

“Royalties for Regions will continue investing in key economic infrastructure, such as this, to build a stronger economy and a better quality of life for residents in regional WA.”

The three priority areas identified by the Department of Agriculture and Food’s 2014 report as most suitable to be equipped with Doppler radars include Wubin, Merredin and Lake Grace.

These areas are expected to deliver benefits across the agricultural region to the value of $108 million, with each having a 200 kilometre radius.