The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) has opened its new-look Hobart Office which will support Australia’s interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean and house meteorologists, hydrologists, climatologists and communications specialists.
Minister for the Environment, Sussan Ley said the upgraded Macquarie Street facility reflected BoM’s longstanding commitment to the Tasmanian community.
“It’s from here that nearly 50 Bureau staff support Australia’s national interests in Antarctica, as well as providing forecasts and warnings for the Tasmanian community and its industries,” Ms Ley said.
“The Bureau’s services for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are essential for safe and efficient air and ship operations, as well as supporting maritime safety, search and rescue, border protection and fisheries,” she said.
“Monitoring the atmosphere, ice and oceans around Antarctica is also vital for ensuring high quality weather forecasts and climate outlooks for the whole of Australia.”
Ms Ley said BoM’s new offices featured designs from local architects and used Tasmanian Oak into work spaces.
The Minister said the new facility’s meeting rooms were named in palawa kani, with guidance from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre, in recognition of the Indigenous people’s custodianship and connection to the land.
Senator for Tasmania, Jonathan Duniam said BoM’s Tasmanian based specialists provided weather forecasts and warnings for farmers, firefighters, fishers, energy generators and every Australian who used weather information in their day-to-day lives.
