Due to COVID restrictions the completion of the new weather radar at Taroom in South-West Queensland has been delayed until February 2022.
Work has begun on the project but completion by the new due date will depend on the ongoing COVID situation and potential restrictions.
Bureau of Meteorology Responsible Officer for QLD Dr Peter Stone said that the completion of the Taroom radar would be a priority now that restrictions have been eased.
"Weather radars play an important role in providing communities with situational awareness of current weather, particularly primary producers," he said.
"Dual-polarised Doppler technology weather radars are one of the best tools for observing real-time rainfall and wind conditions across large areas and we know this information is highly valuable for communities, particularly primary producers."
Also read: New BOM tool for extreme weather
The new radar will provide improved coverage to the Fitzroy, Burnett and Condamine River catchments, and surrounding communities as far north as Woorabinda, east to Gayndah, south to Tara and further west to Injune.
The Taroom radar is one of four new stations being completed across Queensland after the Australian Government committed $77.2 million to the project.
The Bureau of Meteorology has committed to delivering eight new radars across Australia by June 2024, as well as upgrades to 46 existing radars, 700 automatic weather stations and 200 flood warning network assets.
Want daily news highlights delivered to your inbox? Sign up to the Queensland Country Life newsletter below.