Bureau of Meteorology ordered to make changes by minister after new website receives public backlash
The government weather agency has been urged to make changes to its website after an overhaul has been criticised by the public and politicians alike.
The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) published wide-scale changes to its website last week, but a number of users complained about issues with accessibility and user-friendliness.
Some residents in Queensland even claimed the changes left them unprepared for wild weather in the state over the past week, with the state’s Premier David Crisafulli claiming: “The changes to the website don’t make sense… the website is flawed”.
The new Bureau of Meteorology website. (Bureau of Meteorology)
Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt said he had asked for a meeting with Bureau CEO Peter Stone, admitting the website was falling short of serving Australians well.
“It’s clear that the new BOM website is not meeting many users’ expectations,” Watt said in a statement today.
“I requested a meeting with the Bureau of Meteorology Acting CEO, Mr Peter Stone, to discuss the public’s concerns with its updated website.
“In the meeting, I made clear my expectations that the BOM needed to consider this feedback and, where appropriate, adjust the website’s settings as soon as possible. This includes urgent consideration of improvements to the website’s functionality and useability.”
The upgrade cost an estimated $4.1 million.
A particular source of frustration were changes in the site’s rain radar, which was criticised for making the recent storms in Queensland appearing weaker than they actually were.
Major storms left tens of thousands without power in south-east Queensland. (9News)A tree smashed into a home during Queensland’s wild weather. (9News)
Sunday’s storm left tens of thousands of people without power and saw 11,000 insurance claims made in Brisbane alone as winds, rain and hail battered the sunshine state.
Watt said due to the wild weather that can hit all parts of Australia, the BoM website must function properly to ensure all Australians can be safe and prepare accordingly.
“The BOM website is a critical tool to ensure public safety, particularly during the High Risk Weather Season and it must deliver the quality information our hardworking BOM staff are known for,” he said.
“Australians deserve to have confidence in these important services.”
