It has been announced today, that the Wimmera Doppler Weather Radar Project that the region has long been lobbying for, has achieved joint funding from the federal and state governments.
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The Member for Mallee, Andrew Broad, said he was delighted to be able to confirm the funding for the project which will improve the productivity of farmers in the Wimmera region significantly.
“This is great news for the Wimmera - once the radar is up and running, it will provide real time weather data, allowing farmers to make informed on-farm decisions, to achieve the best production outcomes.”
Mr Broad has been actively campaigning for the radar project, promising the Wimmera he would see the project delivered and today that commitment has been realised.
“I have worked with both the Federal Minister for Environment, the Honourable Greg Hunt MP and the State Government, to ensure the radar station, which is a priority for the Wimmera region, becomes a reality,” Mr Broad said.
“The Wimmera is a major agricultural region and the radar has the potential to deliver significant economic benefits.”
The provision of better data from the radar will enhance commercial outcomes by reducing wasted input costs, with annual projected benefits of $3.5 million.
Evidence indicates that growers in other regions that are serviced by similar radar stations as the one planned for the Wimmera make regular, active use of the service.
Mr Broad said better weather forecasting data would also generate a range of other commercial and public benefits covering emergency management, water resource management, tourism and aviation.
“The absence of reliable, current weather data such as that on rainfall, can have ramifications for farmers but the lack of data can also have implications for other sectors, importantly, including those related to emergency services,” he said.
“To secure this radar is important for the region as a whole and I look forward to seeing the project completed and delivering for the people of the Wimmera.”
The State Government has committed up to $5 million towards capital costs whilst the Federal Government will cover commissioning costs of $3.25 million, along with all annual operating and maintenance costs for the next 15 years, which will cover the life of the station.
