A furious Queensland mayor has launched a scathing attack on the Bureau of Meteorology (BoM), accusing it of relying on outdated and inaccurate data to issue flood warnings, which he claims is eroding public confidence.
Mayor's Blistering Critique of 'Antiquated' System
Mackay Mayor Greg Williamson, who has held the position for a decade, unleashed his criticism after the BoM issued a major flood warning for the Pioneer River at Mirani, 40km west of Mackay, on Sunday. Mayor Williamson claimed the warning was based on 'antiquated readings', as data from Mirani township showed the river did not even reach a moderate flood level.
"We know what the rivers are doing, it's not going to be a major flood level at Mirani at any stage," Williamson told the Daily Mail. He argued the core issue is a lack of investment in modern technology. "We're fighting against a lack of investment in the technology," he stated, adding it puts him in a difficult position to contradict official warnings and risk building public distrust.
He issued a direct plea: "For God's sake, fix it. They can spend millions and millions on a new website but we're dealing with an antiquated system which affects people's lives on a regular basis, every season." Williamson emphasised that regional Queensland, prone to natural disasters, deserves the best equipment in the world.
Political Pressure and Farmer Backlash Mount
The mayor's comments come as Queensland Premier David Crisafulli also voiced strong concerns. He stated he "wouldn't accept" inaccuracies from rain gauges and called for greater investment in this critical infrastructure. Premier Crisafulli disputed the BoM's claim that his government had been briefed in November about the faulty gauges.
"You can't have communities that don't have adequate rain gauges and you can't have big portions of the state that isn't covered by radar," Crisafulli said. He stressed that residents in regional areas deserve the same reliable information as those in major cities like Sydney or Melbourne.
The criticism is echoed by Queensland's agricultural community, still reeling from recent devastating floods. Farmers claim faulty rain gauges during the New Year period contributed to the loss of an estimated 50,000 cattle. Grazier Ashley Gallagher told the ABC that four flood gauges upstream of his Sawtell Station on the Norman River catchment failed, leaving him in the dark.
"You don't know what's coming so you're back to the old days I guess of ringing around stations," Gallagher said, highlighting the vital role of working equipment. "Working river gauges, they're a lifesaver. They're saving the cattle's lives anyway, and sometimes, a human's life when they're working." He described a dire situation where stranded cattle were at risk from waiting crocodiles.
Bureau's Response and Ongoing Concerns
The Bureau of Meteorology has acknowledged some equipment failures. A spokesman confirmed that two automatic gauges in the Flinders River catchment were not working during ex-Tropical Cyclone Koji. The spokesman added, "Projects are already under way to increase automation of gauges in these areas, and further details on these initiatives will be shared in the coming weeks."
However, this assurance does little to immediately alleviate the fears of residents, farmers, and local leaders who rely on accurate, timely data to make life-and-death decisions during severe weather events. The incident has sparked a broader debate about funding and prioritisation for meteorological infrastructure in Australia's disaster-prone regions.
