Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 74
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

How would you rate the performance of the numerical models in forecasting for Tropical Cyclones in the Coral Sea?

Answer/s:

We rate the performance of numerical models in forecasting for Tropical Cyclones in the Coral Sea as very good, and improving as the relevant science and technology improve.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 75
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written Question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

What will be the impact of the loss of the upper air observation data in the performance of numerical models for Tropical Cyclone analysis and forecasts?

Answer/s:

The Bureau routinely monitors the impact of upper air stations on the analysis contained in its global numerical weather prediction system. Two typical levels for monitoring are 500 hPa (about 6000 metres above the surface) and 200 hPa (about 15,000 metres above the surface). For example, the Tennant Creek and Weipa stations had the greatest impact over the Australian Region in the Oct-Dec quarter of 2003 at 2.5 m/s (500 hPa) and 3.6 m/s (200 hPa) root square vector impact. 

A review of the past several years shows Willis Island has not been included in the top ten stations for impact.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 76
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked: 

Do upper air observations from offshore sites contribute significantly to the analysis and forecasting of Tropical Cyclones?

Answer/s:

Upper air observations from offshore sites can play a part in the analysis and forecasting of the atmosphere in the vicinity of tropical cyclones. These observations are always complemented by much higher resolution data from satellites and opportunistic observations from passing aircraft. We are not aware of any studies showing the significance of a single upper air site in relation to the forecasting of the atmosphere in the vicinity of a tropical cyclone.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 77
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

What role does surface and upper air observations and radar data from Willis Island play in the analysis and forecasts produced in the Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre?

Answer/s:

Surface and upper air observations and radar data from Willis Island play a role in the analysis and forecasts because of the role of upper level winds in steering tropical cyclones. The observations can be directly useful in helping forecasters to estimate the current steering flow. Perhaps more importantly, such observations feed into the starting analyses for numerical weather prediction (or NWP) models and provide forecast guidance on the future position and intensity of tropical cyclones. There are other sources of upper wind information derived from satellite data (e.g. winds estimated from the movement of cloud), but verifying data from upper air stations such as Willis Island are used for NWP analyses to cross-check this other information. 

Surface observations from Willis Island are also important for analysis of tropical cyclones in the vicinity. It provides surface pressure and wind measurements that are used in diagnosing the current position and intensity of the cyclone. 

Data from the Willis Island radar can be extremely useful when a tropical cyclone is within range of the radar, because it can enable Tropical Cyclone Warning Centre forecasters to obtain an accurate "fix" on the cyclone centre.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 78 and 80
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

What contribution does a continuous and homogenous long-term climate record from Willis Island make towards the international scientific efforts to monitor global climate change?

Answer/s:

Willis Island is currently part of Australia's Reference Climate Station (RCS) Network and the GCOS (Global Climate Observing System) Surface Network (GSN). It, along with over 1000 surface observation sites, plays a role in the detection of long-term climate change, both for Australia and the globe.

The Willis Station is not part of the GCOS Global Upper Air Network and so its temporary closure will not impact that international effort.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 79
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

What are the Bureau's international responsibilities to contribute to the Global Climate Observing System in terms of maintaining a continued climate record at its climate reference stations?

Answer/s:

The Guide to the GCOS Surface and Upper-Air Networks: GSN and GUAN (GCOS Report No. 73) outlines the commitments of countries operating stations included in the networks. These commitments include making the best efforts possible to continue operation of the station at the required performance level.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 81
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

Is it accepted practice to stop collecting data from Reference Climate Stations for over a year?

Answer/s:

There are no specific “accepted practices” with respect to breaks in Reference Climate Station data collection. When circumstances require a break, the Bureau of Meteorology makes every effort to minimise the length of such a break. At Willis Island, an automatic weather station will maintain the record, consistent with accepted observing procedures for Reference Climate Stations.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 82
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

How will rainfall records be kept during the close-down?

Answer/s:

While automated rainfall measuring equipment could be installed, the abundance of bird life on the Island would soon render it inoperable without frequent and regular cleaning. Accordingly, rainfall records will not be maintained during the close down.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 83
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

What costs will be incurred in the removal of the existing equipment from the Island?

Answer/s:

The costs of removing equipment, securing and making good the facilities on the Island prior to commencement of refurbishment works is estimated to be less than $270k. Much of the equipment being removed is due to be replaced as part of the refurbishment / replacement of the Island facilities and will be used for spare parts or disposed of.

Outcome:	1. Environment				Question No: 84
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

What is the value of equipment that will be left on the island?

Answer/s:

Apart from a new AWS (value approx $80k), no equipment that is attractive or of significant remaining asset value will be left on the Island.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 85
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

What is the risk of the equipment on the island being damaged while left unattended?

Answer/s:

While there is some risk that the equipment could be damaged, the most valuable and attractive items have been removed from the island and returned to the mainland for secure storage. It should be noted that the AWS is similar to other AWSs on uninhabited islands and cays in the Coral Sea. These unattended AWSs off the Queensland coast are rarely damaged.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 86
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

What action will be taken to prevent vandalism of equipment and buildings left on the Island?

Answer/s:

Following removal of equipment, safety signs and fencing have been erected around all buildings on the island. Vandalism is not a substantive concern, as the existing buildings will be demolished to make way for the new buildings.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 87
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

How many yachts visit the island each year?

Answer/s:

An estimated number of 4 to 5 yachts visit the island each year.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 88
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

Is this likely to change if it becomes known that it is abandoned?

Answer/s:

This is difficult to answer with any degree of certainty. However, once the rebuilding commences, this should no longer be an issue.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 89
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	

Senator Wong asked:

How much notice were staff about to commence a tour of duty at Willis Island given of the decision?

Answer/s:

Staff were given five days notice of the decision.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 90
Division/Agency:	Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 	Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	

Senator Wong asked:

Can you guarantee that Willis Island weather station will be opened as a manned station after the proposed upgrade of facilities has been undertaken?

Answer/s:

The Bureau’s 2004-05 budget includes funding to commence the refurbishment including finalising plans, completing demolition and commencing building works, and the forward program for 2005-06, subject to the budget decisions of the government of the day in May 2005, covers its completion. Unless unforeseen additional budget pressures force a re-evaluation of this strategy, the Bureau is committed to re-staffing and re-opening the station with upgraded facilities in time for the 2005-06 tropical cyclone season.

Outcome:	1. Environment			Question No: 91
Division/Agency:		Bureau of Meteorology
Topic: 		Willis Island Weather Station

Hansard Page ECITA:	Written question on notice

Senator Wong asked:

How many staff will be required to man the station after the upgrade?

Answer/s:

The number of staff will remain as for its recent operation, that is 4 staff on a 6 month rotation.