In a statement on the BOM website, chief executive meteorology director Stuart Minchin said the changes were made to benefit users.
“Inherently, we don’t, and won’t, always get it perfectly right. But, we are constantly striving to get better,” Dr Minchin said.
“Changes to the website were made for good reasons including stability, security and accessibility.
“The total cost of the website is approximately $96.5 million. This includes the previously stated $4.1million required to redesign the front-end of the website.”
“Given this investment, it’s vital we get it right.
“I want to assure you that our dedicated teams are working hard to continue delivering website updates and improvements as quickly as possible.”
Fruit Growers Victoria chair and Ardmona orchardist Mitchell McNabb said accurate and accessible information was significant for farmers and those in the agricultural sector.
“Accurate weather information is crucial for fruit growers. So much of what happens on an orchard depends on the weather, irrigation, spraying, harvest timing, frost management and staff planning,” he said.
“When growers have reliable forecasts, they can make confident decisions and reduce risks.
“When the information is unclear or inaccurate, it can have real consequences for crop quality and business outcomes.
“Initially, we did hear a mix of views, including some negative feedback about the redesign, mostly related to the weather map and accuracy.
“We’d always encourage ongoing consultation with growers when major tools like this are updated, so the information remains practical and accessible for the people relying on it every day.”
Federal member for Nicholls Sam Birrell condemned the redesign, not just for the cost, but the usability.
“The negative feedback was instant, as soon as the new site went live, people who rely on timely weather information, including farmers, started lodging complaints,” he said.
“In particular, the radar display feature has been described as significantly worse than the old site.
“The cost is one thing, but there should be equal focus on how such a poor outcome was achieved for users.”
Although there have been calls from the public to revert the website to its former state, Mr Birrell had reservations.
“The $96 million cost is outrageous and needs to be subject to an inquiry, it is hard for anyone to get their head around how so much money can be spent on a website, even one as vitally important as the BOM website,” he said.
“Reverting back to the old site would set in stone the disastrous waste of money.
“I am concerned about how much more money will need to be spent to make the website user-friendly, but it needs to be put right.”
Dr Minchin said updates were in the works, however the severe weather in Darwin had put things on pause.
“I understand that the change has been challenging for some, and we are committed to supporting everyone to make the most of the new site through video tutorials, website help and troubleshooting,” he said.
“We have also been directly engaging with key user groups to answer specific questions about the new site.
“I want to assure you that our dedicated teams are working hard to continue delivering website updates and improvements as quickly as possible.”
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