Looming storm is off radar

BOM site goes offline

MAYOR Jenny Hill has s lashed out at the Bureau o of Meteorology over a radar fault as North Queensland braces for a cyclone.

The Townsville radar has s been offline since a weather system formed off North Queensland’s coast, making it t difficult for Townsville resi- dents to keep track of the trop-ical low’s movements.

While BOM has suggested the community rely on a zoomed out Bowen and Cairns radar, Cr Hill said this was not good enough.

“The radar can provide information about what is actually happening in the precinct,” Cr Hill said.

“We have a cyclone brewing that could get up to category two, possibly three, by Thursday.

“Quite frankly, it’s not good enough that we’re not seeing the investment in the bureau.

“The bureau has been set up by the federal government not just to tell us it’s going to be a nice day but, particularly in North Queensland, around disaster management and mapping.”

BOM told the Townsville Bulletin technicians had visited the radar and diagnosed the fault that caused it to go offline.

“It will need parts sent from interstate,” a BOM spokeswoman said.

“Radar control components and co components that pr process radar signals n need to be replaced.” The spokeswoman said technicians fr from the Cairns Obse servations Operati tions Hub were onsite on shortly after th the radar went do down, but Cr Hill said sa this was also an issu issue.

“To have service technicians only available in Cairns and Brisbane, can I say, is a bloody big stretch,” Cr Hill (pictured) said.

“This state is nearly three times the size of Victoria. When radars go out or there are problems with sensors, you have to depend on someone from Brisbane or Cairns driving up to fix it, or flying up.

“When you have inclement weather, how the hell are they going to get up here? We’re very lucky at the moment that the rains haven’t really pushed past the coast and cut off road access.”

This is not the first time Cr Hill has taken on BOM over resources in the North. During Cyclone Kimi, she argued a local BOM representative should return to Townsville. However, BOM said at the time that it was committed to providing the best possible services for Queensland, and meteorologists and hydrologists were always available to help the region.

THE RSPCA is in desperate need of drivers to help transport animals. With no shelter in Townsville, the service needs help to get animals from the city to Bowen or Mackay.

“Every day animals are moved between campuses, pound facilities, rehoming centres, vet surgeries and carers,” RSCPA’S Michael Beatty said. “You’ll have a genuine hands-on experience in helping animals find a new home and you’ll be part of a friendly, passionate team that truly believes in animal welfare.”

Call 3426 9915 or email volunteering@rspcaqld.org.au