Hon. Hallett questions the Minister for Agriculture and Food about the Department's plans for weather monitoring, specifically regarding Doppler radar implementation versus expanding automatic weather stations. The Minister indicates a business case for Doppler radar is being developed.

AnsweredQoN 351Legislative Council
Asked
3 April 2014
Portfolio
Agriculture and Food

QuestionView source ↗

DOPPLER RADAR
351. Hon NIGEL HALLETT to the Minister
for Agriculture and Food:
(1) Is the
Department of Agriculture and Food planning to use further royalties for
regions funds to expand its network of automatic weather stations across
Western Australia?
(2) If so, how
many automatic weather stations are to be installed?
(3) What is the
estimated cost of the project and the anticipated time frame for installation?
(4) What
consideration has been given to the installation of Doppler radar, given that
Doppler radar technology is far superior and can supply higher quality data
than standard radars and automatic weather stations?
(5) Why is the
Department of Agriculture and Food not installing Doppler radar when there is
overwhelming evidence to show that Doppler capability can provide real-time operational
applications, which are known to be highly accurate and used by various
industries including agriculture, meteorologists, aviators, emergency services
and mining companies?

AnswerView source ↗

I thank the
honourable member for some notice of this question.
(1) No.
(2)–(3) Not
applicable.
(4) The
Department of Agriculture and Food has recently commissioned a consultancy to
clearly define the benefits and costs of high-resolution radar stations. This
work will be used as a basis for putting forward a business case for Doppler
radar stations in the royalties for regions infrastructure project.
(5) DAFWA is
aware of the potential benefits to the broader community and industry of
Doppler capability. The benefits and costs need to be clearly defined and
determined. Once this is done, any decision as to the level of investment by
the state in this infrastructure will be better informed.

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