Automated Weather Station - Warracknabeal Community Update

Automated Weather Station - Warracknabeal Community Update

Council Commits to Keeping Warracknabeal Weather Station Operational

Yarriambiack Shire Council has committed to maintaining the Warracknabeal Automated Weather Station (AWS), despite unsuccessful efforts to secure external funding for its ongoing operation.

On 25 October 2025 Council resolved to enter into a new three-year maintenance agreement with the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) to ensure the station remained operational and continued to provide vital weather information to the region.

Mayor Andrew McLean said, "Council had undertaken extensive advocacy with State and Federal Government representatives, as well as other stakeholders, seeking financial assistance to offset the significantly increased maintenance costs associated with the station".

"Unfortunately, despite our advocacy efforts, no funding support has been secured," Mayor McLean said.

"Council approached a range of Federal and State Government representatives, relevant Ministers, emergency management agencies and an energy provider in an effort to identify a funding solution. We also received correspondence from Federal Minister for Emergency Management, Senator the Hon Murray Watt, confirming that without funding from the weather station owner, the Bureau is unable to maintain third-party-owned automatic weather stations such as the Council-owned instrument in Warracknabeal. The correspondence also advised that the Bureau would not assume responsibility for, or provide funding towards, the ongoing operation and maintenance of the Council-owned weather station. "

The Warracknabeal AWS is owned by Council and provides critical local weather data used by emergency services, aviation operators, agricultural businesses and the broader community. The previous maintenance agreement with the BoM expired in September 2025, with costs increasing substantially from previous service arrangements.

Council also explored the option of transferring ownership of the station to the Bureau of Meteorology at no cost, however the Bureau advised it was unable to absorb the station into its national weather monitoring network.

Mayor McLean said, "while the increased annual cost presents a financial challenge, Council recognised the importance of maintaining the station for community safety and resilience".

"The weather station plays a critical role during emergencies, particularly during bushfire and flood events, by providing accurate local weather observations that assist emergency response agencies and incident controllers," Mayor McLean said.

"It is also an important asset for our farming community, which relies on timely and accurate weather data to inform day-to-day operations and business decisions."

Had Council not entered into a new agreement, the Bureau of Meteorology had advised that the station would have been decommissioned.

"While we are disappointed that our advocacy has not resulted in external funding support, Council believes the benefits provided by the weather station justify continuing the service while we pursue longer-term funding opportunities," Mayor McLean said.

Council will continue advocating to State and Federal governments for support to ensure essential regional infrastructure, including weather monitoring services, remains available to rural communities.

END OF RELEASE

Cr Andrew McLean

Mayor

Yarriambiack Shire Council

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