The Bureau of Meteorology has linked with the State Government to create a new weather radar designed to give producers more accurate real-time data when making decisions on the farm.
Minister for Agriculture, Jaclyn Symes said the Rainbow Radar had begun transmitting real-time data across the Wimmera and Southern Mallee, making crop management decisions easier for farmers.
“The new Doppler radar fills a gap in the radar network, giving farmers more accurate data so they can make more informed, time-critical decisions about harvesting, crop planting and the use of chemicals and fertilisers,” Ms Symes said.
“The radar will also provide better short-term rainfall forecasts and additional information for emergency services and Bureau of Meteorology experts during severe weather events.”
She said the Rainbow Radar project was a partnership between the local community, Wimmera Development Association (WDA), the State Government and the Bureau of Meteorology.
“The dual-polarised radar’s construction was in response to a WDA business case, which highlighted the significant cost savings and productivity benefits the radar would bring to the Wimmera and Southern Mallee,” she said.
Ms Symes said the State provided $5 million for the construction of the Rainbow Radar and the Bureau of Meteorology is to commit $4.3 million for its maintenance and operating costs for the next 15 years.
Data from the Rainbow Radar can be accessed via this PS News link.
