In recognition of the importance of accurate weather data for remote communities and graziers in western Queensland, an elected Coalition Government will commit $10 million towards a new weather radar for the region that has been struck by devastating floods.
Leader of the Opposition, the Hon Peter Dutton MP, said this commitment would significantly improve confidence in weather forecasts from the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM).
“The Coalition knows that a new weather radar is of critical importance for communities and businesses in Central Queensland,” Mr Dutton said.
“This $10 million funding announcement is yet another reflection that a Dutton-Littleproud Government would once again prioritise the needs of regional Australians after the neglect of the Albanese Government.
“The need for a weather radar in Central Queensland is not new. The Albanese Government could have acted at any time over the last three years, but they have been busy focusing on harvesting Greens votes and inner-city issues like the Voice than responding to the needs of this regional community.”
Leader of The Nationals, the Hon David Littleproud MP, said this announcement will give Western Queensland greater confidence they can be prepared for major events.
“The community has called for a new radar near Quilpie and we will deliver it,” Mr Littleproud said.
“In recent days, I’ve heard first-hand harrowing stories of survival. If families had been given more notice, they would have easily had time to get to safety. Instead, some have been forced to fight for their lives. That’s why this is important.
“While a new Fodder Taskforce has also now been set up, to help get fodder to stranded cattle as quickly as possible, this radar would also help graziers better prepare in future.”
Shadow Environment Minister, Senator the Hon Jonno Duniam, said this announcement would restore much-needed confidence in the BoM in central Queensland.
“Regional communities, including graziers, need accurate weather data to make the right decisions, or else they are flying blind,” Senator Duniam said.
“A new weather radar in this area will once again give Central Queenslanders confidence in BoM weather forecasts after the failures of this inner-city focussed Federal Government.”
Today’s announcement is part of the Coalition’s extensive plan to respond to the needs of our regional communities and get our country back on track.
ENDS
