Media Release – Better Weather Information, Better Agricultural Results

The Hon. David Littleproud MP, Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources yesterday announced that Australian farmers in 2019 will have access to a wide range of online climate and weather information to assist with onfarm management decisions.

Media Release

Better weather information, better agricultural results
22 November 2018
• Easy-to-use climate outlook guides being developed for 56 Natural Resource Management regions
• Project funded with $2.7 million from the Coalition Government’s Drought Assistance Package
• Condamine, Mallee, West Gippsland and Riverina are the first Guides under development.
Australian farmers will soon have easy access to crucial climate and weather information thanks to a joint project between the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO.
Minister for Agriculture and Water Resources David Littleproud said the new weather and climate guides would give valuable information to all 56 Natural Resource Management regions.
“The Bureau has a wealth of information farmers need and this will put it in their hands,” Minister Littleproud said.
“Reliable climate information helps farmers make the best decisions they can to manage risks.
“It will help them better understand temperature and rainfall ranges, frost risk, the onset and length of wet seasons, water storage levels and the likelihood and severity of drought, natural disasters and cold snaps.
“Today Condamine farmers have a chance to tell the Bureau what information is most valuable for them and how to best deliver it.
“This will mean farmers won’t have to rely on guess work to make decisions that affect their livelihoods.
“This is particularly important during a drought like the one we’re currently going through.
“The Bureau will start off trialling the service online and taking feedback from farmers to make sure it hits the mark.
“The service is expected to be up and running early next year.
“These guides are part of the Government’s ongoing and long-term drought response.
“Our drought support covers a range of areas, including immediate financial assistance and building resilience and preparedness in rural and regional communities.”
Les Elphinstone
Manager KCGO