Thursday, 24 February 2005

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY, VICTORIAN REGIONAL OFFICE
DEPARTMENT OF SUSTAINABILITY AND ENVIRONMENT (VICTORIA)
COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY

More accurate weather forecasts for fire and other emergencies

Faster and more precise weather forecasts are now available to Victoria’s fire agencies as a result of the commissioning of eight new Mobile Automated Weather Stations (MAWS) yesterday. A joint venture between the Bureau of Meteorology, the Department of Sustainability and Environment (Victoria) and the Country Fire Authority will see an overhaul of the previous mobile weather forecasting stations. The new mobile stations are fully self-sufficient systems, using satellite communication technology powered by solar energy that allows for fast and accurate fire weather forecasts to be made.

At the launch of the new units yesterday, the Department of Sustainability and Environment's Director of Emergency Management, Gary Morgan, said the upgrade would assist fire agencies in their approach to safe, effective and efficient fire fighting and fire management. “Fuel reduction burning and fire suppression tactics are greatly influenced by weather conditions, and these new weather stations will increase the speed and accuracy of detailed fire weather forecasts," Mr Morgan said. "The benefits of the upgrades cannot be overstated. When we have access to high quality weather observations, it improves the effectiveness of our response and suppression activities.”

The Bureau of Meteorology's Regional Director (Victoria), Mark Williams, said: “This step-up in technology will help provide the best and most up-to-date forecasts to emergency agencies in Victoria where we need it, close to the site of the fire. The beauty of the new weather stations is that they can be promptly transported by aircraft to remote locations when required," Mr Williams said.

CFA Chief Officer Russel Rees said: "Quick and reliable forecasts are crucial to our operational decision-making, the effectiveness of fire fighting strategies, and the safety of the community.”

Victoria now has a total of four mobile weather trailers for use throughout the state that can be deployed to various emergencies effected by weather. Each trailer transports two Mobile Automated Weather Stations, and along with additional computer, meteorological and remote-area camping equipment, will provide a world-class weather support service to Victorian emergency management agencies.

Further information:
Monica Long, Bureau of Meteorology, Severe Weather Section. tel: (03) 9669 4972
David Jarwood, Department of Sustainability and Environment Communications.
tel: (03) 9637 8913, mob: 0413 288 403
Alex Twoney, CFA Public Relations. tel: (03) 9262 8567

Ends