Outcome:	1. Environment	Question No: 13
Sub Outcome:	Australia benefits from meteorological and related science and services.
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic:	Services provided by Rockhampton Weather Service Office

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on Notice

Senator Carr asked:
(a)	What considerations did the Bureau look at prior to making the decision to reduce the services provided from the Rockhampton Weather Service Office particularly the hours of operation from 2.30am - 10.pm down to 5.40am - 10.30pm and the number of live marine forecasts broadcast each day over VHF Channel 21?
(b)	What, if any, consultations were made with local stakeholders prior to the decision to reduce the number of maritime forecasting broadcasts on VHF channel 21 from the Rockhampton WSO?
(c)	Why was this decision made?  What was the cost of providing the original service of 5 live crosses by a Bureau forecaster each day?  What is the estimated saving, if any, resulting from the reduction in service to 4 crosses, one of which is done by an observer rather than a forecaster?
(d)	Why has the number of forecasters employed at the Rockhampton WSO reduced from 3 down to 2 in recent years (not counting those periods when numbers increase due to military exercises)?  Does the BOM anticipate any further reduction in the number of staff at the Rockhampton WSO?

Answer/s:
(a)	In making its decision to alter the services provided at Rockhampton, the Bureau considered both the requirements of the local community and the need to deploy its resources in a manner which best benefits the wider Queensland and Australian community.

(b)	Marine stakeholders were advised of the alterations to services in July 2005 and views sought.  In addition, the VHF service was discussed at the Marine Weather Services Consultative Committee meeting, held in Yeppoon in August 2005.

(c)	The decision resulted from the need to maintain efficiency of service delivery across Queensland and in light of the fact that many of the meteorological services provided in Rockhampton originate from other Bureau offices.  The VHF marine broadcasts are supplementary to core services and are undertaken only when staffing allows.  These supplementary services do not require forecasters to deliver them. They are not costed individually.

(d)	The Bureau is aims to ensure the balanced provision of services nationwide, taking account of changes to the forecasting process, the increasing use of computer generated numerical weather prediction, and new delivery technologies.  Under this continuous improvement process, the Bureau will maintain essential forecasting and warning services to the Rockhampton community.