The Bureau of Meteorology is in the final stages of negotiations with owner and operator Airport Development Group (ADG) for the radar to be installed at Tennant Creek Airport.
The site has several advantages including an existing Bureau lease, connection to 3-phase mains power, and an existing building that is suitable to house the radar equipment.
Advancements in radar technology that have allowed for increased tower heights also mean the high-power S-band dual-polarised doppler radar is better suited to the airport site compared to other sites that were considered.
Bureau CEO Stuart Minchin says the new Tennant Creek radar will provide important insights to local communities.
"We know how much the Barkly Region will value being able to see rainfall information in real-time," Dr Minchin said.
"In conjunction with our forecasts and warnings, this new radar will help the community better understand their local weather."
Radar coverage across the Barkly region will include Tennant Creek, Elliott and smaller townships and First Nations communities.
The radar is expected to be operational by mid-2027.
The Bureau worked closely with the local Patta Aboriginal Corporation RNTBC and the Central Land Council. The Patta AC provided invaluable support in consideration of other proposed sites for the new radar.
The Bureau thanks the Patta AC for their positive engagement during the process of confirming a site and looks forward to delivering a vital radar for the community.
During the construction of the new radar, the community can continue to access Barkly region and the Northern Territory weather information from a range of Bureau sources.
Radars are one part of a composite observing network, which includes radars, satellites, lightning detection and upper air and surface observations.
The new Tennant Creek radar will be part of a comprehensive weather observation network of more than 11,000 assets, which includes:
- satellites
- upper atmosphere monitoring
- automatic weather stations
- ocean buoys and
- flood warning networks.
Australia has one of the world's most extensive observation networks. It delivers quality data for forecasts, climate outlooks and other vital services.
For more information, visit Joint media release: Site selected for New NT weather radar