Project Overview
Objective
The objective of the Radar Network and Doppler Services Upgrade Project is to provide advanced weather forecast and warning services for the Australian Community through new software applications, staff training, the installation of six modern Doppler radar systems in locations impacted by severe weather, and replacement of the Bureau's aging radars.
Background
In 2003 the Commonwealth Government allocated over $62 million to allow the Bureau to modernise its radar network and supplement its Severe Weather Warning capabilities in key locations around the country. As part of the five-year project, 15 obsolete radars in the network are being replaced, and an enhanced Doppler radar capability is being implemented in 6 locations. These Doppler radars allow for the replacement of a further 5 radars in the network.
The new Doppler radars have a capability beyond existing Doppler radars within the Bureau's network. The improvements allow for an enhanced service delivery in terms of content, effectiveness and geographic coverage.
Time Line
Over the five years of the project, several of the Bureau's current radars will be replaced and in some cases, new Doppler radars will be purchased. The time line of commissioned radars has been included below along with a list of areas being considered for a radar upgrade/replacement/relocation as part of the RNDSUP.
| Installation Name | Commissioning Date | Radar type |
|---|---|---|
| Williamtown | June 2003 | Replacement/Relocation |
| Learmonth | September 2003 | Replacement |
| Mt Gambier | March 2004 | Replacement |
| Gladstone | December 2004 | Replacement |
| Port Hedland | March 2005 | Replacement |
| Adelaide (Buckland Park) | October 2005 | New High Resolution Doppler |
| Tennant Creek | October 2005 | Replacement |
| Mackay | April 2006 | Replacement |
| Brisbane (Mt Stapylton) | August 2006 | New High Resolution Doppler |
| Charleville/Warrego | October 2006 | Replacement/Relocation |
| Yarrawonga (upgrade) | August 2007 | New High Resolution Doppler |
| Gympie (Mt Kanigan) | September 2007 | Replacement |
| Melbourne (Laverton) | October 2007 | New High Resolution Doppler |
| Bairnsdale | May 2008 | Replacement |
| Broome | October 2008 | Replacement |
| Darwin Airport | December 2008 | Replacement |
| Carnarvon | June 2009 | Replacement |
| Sydney (Terrey Hills) | September 2009 | New High Resolution Doppler |
| Perth (Serpentine) | June 2010 | Replacement |
| Namoi (Black Jack Mountain) | August 2010 | New High Resolution Doppler |
| Townsville (Mt Stuart) | 2011 | Replacement |