QUEENSLAND PREMIER UNLEASHES FURY ON ‘FLAWED’ $4 MILLION BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY WEBSITE REVAMP AS STATE COPES WITH DESTRUCTIVE STORMS
- Premier David Crisafulli slams new website, saying it left Queenslanders unprepared for severe storms
- Website’s revamped rain radar system under fire for downplaying storm’s severity
- Bureau of Meteorology CEO Peter Stone promises regular updates to address community concerns
Queensland Premier David Crisafulli has launched a scathing attack on the Bureau of Meteorology’s $4 million website revamp, labelling it “flawed” and inadequate in the face of severe storms that battered the state over the weekend.
The new website, which was unveiled just days before the storms hit, has been widely panned for its confusing layout and failure to provide accurate and timely warnings. Premier Crisafulli told state parliament that the changes to the website were “not good enough” and that preparation was key to coping with extreme weather events.
“Queenslanders always show their resilience in these events, but preparation is the key,” Crisafulli said. “The changes to the website don’t make sense. The website is flawed.”
The revamped rain radar system, in particular, has come under fire for downplaying the severity of the storms. Users took to social media to express their frustration and disappointment with the new website, which promised “design and functionality improvements” but failed to deliver.
Bureau of Meteorology CEO Peter Stone has promised to address community concerns through regular updates to the website. “We will continue to deliver website improvements in regular updates, based on community and customer feedback, just as we have done throughout the development phase,” he said.
However, for many Queenslanders, the damage has already been done. The state is still reeling from the aftermath of the destructive storms, which brought widespread power outages, property damage, and disruption to daily life.
As the clean-up efforts continue, the Premier’s criticism of the Bureau of Meteorology’s website revamp serves as a stark reminder of the importance of effective communication and preparedness in the face of extreme weather events.