The Hon Sussan Ley MP, Minister for the Environment
The Hon Jonathon Duniam, Senator for Tasmania
The Bureau of Meteorology today opened its new-look Hobart Office, which houses the meteorologists, hydrologists, climatologists and communications specialists who provide services for Tasmania, as well as support for Australia's interests in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean.
As part of the Bureau's longstanding commitment to the Tasmanian community, the upgraded Macquarie Street facility represents part of almost $3 million in new Australian Government investment in Bureau of Meteorology in Tasmania, together with the Bureau's new Observing Operations Hub in the suburb of Moonah which was commissioned in January.
Minister for the Environment, the Hon Sussan Ley, noted the importance of the facility for Tasmania, as well as recognising the state's role as the 'gateway to Antarctica'.
"It's from here that nearly 50 Bureau staff support Australia's national interests in Antarctica, as well as providing forecasts and warnings for the Tasmanian community and its industries."
"The Bureau's services for Antarctica and the Southern Ocean are essential for safe and efficient air and ship operations, as well as supporting maritime safety, search and rescue, border protection and fisheries.
"Monitoring the atmosphere, ice and oceans around Antarctica is also vital for ensuring high quality weather forecasts and climate outlooks for the whole of Australia."
While formally opening the facility today, Senator the Hon Jonathan Duniam called it strong evidence of the Australian Government's commitment to the safety and prosperity of Tasmania.
"Tasmania is uniquely exposed to the wild weather that comes in from the Southern Ocean and there's no question that the Bureau provides essential services that help keep Tasmanians safe.
"The Bureau's Tasmanian based specialists provide forecasts and warnings for farmers, firefighters, fishers, energy generators as well as mums and dads - in fact anyone who uses weather information in their day-to-day lives.
"Now they have a truly modern facility equipped to help them do their jobs better. That's something we all benefit from."
The new offices feature designs from local architects, including the use of Tasmanian Oak into working spaces, and meeting rooms are named in palawa kani with guidance from the Tasmanian Aboriginal Centre in recognition of their custodianship and connection to the land.
