Flinders Shire may not be viable to host a new doppler radar due to complications in the region.
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After the 2019 monsoonal flood, the Federal Government committed to two new doppler radars in North Queensland after a 270-kilometre radar blacksot was identfied from Julia Creek to Hughenden.
When the government announcement was made, radar potential sites were listed as Maxwelton and Charters Towers-Flinders regions, but Flinders Shire mayor Jane McNamara said complications had risen while site searching in the region.
"We may not be able to have the radar here due to our wind farm," Cr McNamara said.
"Apparently a radar cannot be within 30-40 kilometres of a wind turbine as it disrupts the frequencies."
The site finding process has been ongoing since November 2019, and the Bureau of Meterology said areas with potential interferance were avoided.
"We inspect sites to ensure adequate power, communications and access is available, and that potential interference from windfarms, physical obstructions or other radars is avoided," the spokesperson said.
"The Bureau of Meteorology is progressing site selection for a new radar in the Flinders region. Site selection involves rigorous work to determine exactly where to place a radar to provide the highest possible level of coverage to an area."
A BOM spokesperson said site selection and lease negotiations was scheduled to be finalised by late 2021.
"Following this, the Bureau will tender for construction services with a view for works to commence at the site in early-2022," the spokesperson said.
"The Bureau understands the high interest in this important project and will ensure local communities are made aware of critical milestones as they are reached."
The BOM spokesperson said the Flinders radar would fill the gap between Mount Isa and the new Upper Burdekin radars.
"This will ensure continuous coverage between Mount Isa and Townsville including Julia Creek, Maxwelton and Richmond.
"Once operational, these new radars will deliver real time weather and rainfall information to many surrounding communities for the first time, helping businesses make better decisions and keeping communities safer from the impacts of severe weather."
The Australian Government committed $77.2 million to install and operate four new dual-polarised Doppler radars to fill significant coverage gaps in Queensland. Darling Downs (near Oakey), southern Queensland (near Taroom) were the other two radars listed.
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Samantha Campbell
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
Samantha Campbell (nee Walton) has worked for regional and rural publications across New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. She is currently writing for the North Queensland Register based in North West Queensland. Email: samantha.campbell@austcommunitymedia.com.au
