Key Takeaways:
- The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) redesigned website has been widely criticized for its poor design and functionality, with users finding it difficult to navigate and access important information.
- The website’s cost has been revealed to be over $96 million, significantly higher than the initial estimate of $4 million.
- The federal environment minister has asked the BOM’s new CEO to investigate the issues with the website and report back to him.
- The website’s problems have been blamed for putting lives and safety at risk, particularly for farmers and communities who rely on accurate and localized weather data.
- The BOM has admitted to the high cost of the website and has made changes to address user complaints, but further changes are still needed.
Introduction to the Issue
The Bureau of Meteorology’s (BOM) redesigned website has been at the center of controversy in recent weeks, with users expressing frustration and disappointment with its poor design and functionality. The website, which was launched a month ago, was intended to provide improved access to weather information and other data, but instead has been plagued by problems. The federal environment minister, Murray Watt, has intervened, ordering the BOM to fix the website and asking the agency’s new CEO, Stuart Minchin, to investigate the issues and report back to him.
The Cost of the Website
One of the most shocking aspects of the website’s redesign is its cost, which has been revealed to be over $96 million. This is significantly higher than the initial estimate of $4 million, and has been widely criticized as a waste of taxpayer money. The BOM has broken down the cost of the website, explaining that $4.1 million was spent on redesign, $79.8 million on the website build, and $12.6 million on launch and security testing. The agency has defended the cost, saying that a complete rebuild was necessary to ensure the website meets modern security, usability, and accessibility requirements.
User Complaints and Criticisms
Users of the website, including farmers and other members of the public, have been vocal in their criticism of the website’s design and functionality. Many have found it difficult to navigate, and have expressed frustration with the changes made to the radar map, which made it hard to read place names. Farmers, in particular, have been critical of the changes, which made it difficult for them to access important information such as rainfall data. The website’s problems have been blamed for putting lives and safety at risk, particularly for communities who rely on accurate and localized weather data.
Government Response
The federal government has intervened in the issue, with Environment Minister Murray Watt meeting with the BOM’s new CEO to express his concerns and ask for a report on the issues with the website. The minister has stopped short of describing the website as a waste of money, but has made it clear that he expects the BOM to get on top of the problems and provide a better service to the public. The opposition has been more critical, with Nationals leader David Littleproud describing the website as "another Labor disaster" and calling for consequences for those responsible.
Changes and Improvements
The BOM has made some changes to the website in response to user complaints, including reverting to the old version of the radar map and making other tweaks to the site. Further changes are still needed, however, and the agency has said that it will continue to listen to and analyze community feedback. The BOM has also paused some updates due to Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina in northern Australia, but has promised to continue working to improve the website and provide a better service to the public.
Conclusion and Next Steps
The controversy surrounding the BOM’s redesigned website is a reminder of the importance of getting it right when it comes to public services. The website’s problems have had real-world consequences, putting lives and safety at risk, and it is essential that the BOM and the federal government take steps to address these issues and provide a better service to the public. The BOM’s new CEO, Stuart Minchin, has a big task ahead of him in fixing the website and restoring public trust in the agency. The minister’s expectations have been made clear, and it is up to the BOM to deliver.
