Improved Marine Forecasts for NSW Coast

From 1 September 2010, the Bureau of Meteorology will be introducing improved marine forecasts for New South Wales.

"We are improving our marine services in response to the ongoing feedback we've received from members of the marine community," said Senior Bureau Meteorologist, Ms Julie Evans.

"The coastal waters forecasts will be upgraded to include wind, sea and swell conditions for all days of the forecast period. This is aimed at assisting mariners to better plan their trips around the safest and most comfortable times of the day."

Ms Evans said these changes were a part of a new forecasting services being introduced by the Bureau of Meteorology, which will provide detailed maps of forecast wind and wave conditions seven days in advance.

"We have also created easily recognisable geographic coastal water zones. The former South Coast zone will be split into two new zones called Batemans and Eden, the Mid North Coast zone will be divided into two new zones known as Coffs and Macquarie, and the current Far North Coast zone will be renamed as Byron."

Ms Evans said that wave information within coastal waters warnings would now be provided in terms of the total wave height, to better describe the conditions expected.

The upgrades are part a federally funded weather services upgrade which is being rolled out around Australia over the next five years.

Over the next couple of months, the Bureau of Meteorology will be holding free information sessions along the New South Wales Coast.
Details can be found on the Bureau website: www.bom.gov.au/marine/about/notices/nswseminars.shtml

For media inquiries

Valentina Lazarevska: 0439 452 424