New doppler radar to support horticultural growers and emergency services in Manjimup-Pemberton region

A new doppler radar system will be installed in the Manjimup-Pemberton region for more accurate readings on rain and weather conditions.

The State Government is allocating $4.29 million for the doppler project as part of a $16 million investment to improve water security for horticultural growers in the region.

The radar will provide growers with more detailed and timely data on rainfall intensity, and wind speed and direction, to assist their business operations.

Water Minister Simone McGurk said the Manjimup-Pemberton region was the fruit bowl of South West WA, contributing around $450 million annually to the WA economy.

“We have listened to concerns from the Southern Forests Irrigation Reference Group and their proposal for a doppler radar and I’m pleased that the Cook and Albanese Governments are delivering this important technology to the region,” Minister McGurk said.

Appadene Park avacado grower and farmer, Tom Winfield said as a committee member on the Southern Forest Irrigation scheme, the recommendation group had pushed for a radar system to be installed in the region.

“It will help us in planning if we can get a better read of what’s happening with the weather,” he said.

“Sometimes we’re not sure if it’s going to rain, but if we can see a front coming through, we can hold off on an irrigation program, and that will save us unnecessary irrigating.”

Also a fire control officer in Manjimup, Mr Winfield said the radar station would also support improved emergency services.

Information from the radar will be updated every six minutes on the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development and the Bureau of Meteorology websites for wider community access.

“I believe as a bushfire officer it will help us with more real-time data on wind and temperatures and fronts coming in,” Mr Winfield said.

“They know what’s happening in Perth, they know what’s happening in Albany, but this southern corner is really shadowed and has never had a real radar system over it.

“There’s a big shadow area.”

Mr Winfield said the doppler system was a “win-win” for the region, and for communities in the south from Augusta through to Manjimup and outward.

“It’s a real good thing to have for our community and for this area. I think it’s a good tool for all of us. We’re all going to benefit from it,” he said.

The region is said to produce 67 per cent of the State’s avocados, kiwi fruit and processing potatoes, 61 per cent of apples, and 35 per cent of the seed potatoes.

Warren-Blackwood MLA Jane Kelsbie said the installation of a doppler radar in Warren-Blackwood would be welcome news to local growers.

Works will now commence to determine the best site for the system, and determine the final technical and design specifications.