BOM return welcome: Hill

Mayor Jenny Hill has welcomed today’s announcement that locally-focused meteorologists will again be based in Townsville to support the local community before and during natural disasters.

Media reports today indicate that the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) will employ six new staff for its Townsville office.

Cr Hill said not having locally-focused meteorologists based in Townsville was a risk for the community. Meteorologists focused exclusively on providing advice to the ADF have remained in Townsville.

“Not having meteorologists that the community could access left local communities like Townsville, Ingham and the Burdekin dangerously exposed, especially during natural disasters,” Cr Hill said.

“Townsville City Council has continually lobbied, in the face of opposition from some in the community, for these services to be returned and we rallied the community behind this important cause.

“I acknowledge the efforts of other mayors across North Queensland, the State Government and the community in lobbying the Australian Government to restore meteorological services in Townsville.

“With the wet season only six months away, I hope these promised new staff will be brought on board as soon as possible in advance of any natural disasters that may come our way.”

Cr Hill said she looked forward to receiving a full briefing from representatives of the BOM and the Australian Climate Service as soon as possible.

“I want to fully understand the work that the Australian Climate Service will be undertaking and what services they will provide.”