Weather News

Farmers, fishermen want Launceston weather shop-front to stay

Cray fishermen say there is no subsitute for talking to a forecaster about the weather. (File photo) - ABC

Tasmania's Rock Lobster Fishermens' Association is angered by the possible closure of the Launceston Weather Bureau's shopfront.

The Federal member for Bass, Jodie Campbell denies the closure of the centre is imminent and will today discuss its future with the Environment Minister, Peter Garrett.

Two forecasters are employed at the weather shop front.

Rodney Treloggen from the Rock Lobster Fishermens' Association has told ABC Local Radio there is no substitute for giving real time reports of conditions on the water to a forecaster.

"So not only does the fisherman seek information he gives information and the one thing is you can't interrogate or question a machine," he said.

"A machine will tell you four, six or eight hours after the event what's going to happen."

"You cannot replicate that by having someone on the spot actually talking to a forecaster."

The commodore of the Tamar Yacht Club has backed calls for the Launceston Weather Centre to remain open.

The Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association president Roger Swain says the farming community depends on the weather service.

"It's important from the point of view of crop establishment, crop harvesting, all sorts of issues that the weather throws up to the farming community," he said.

"The farming community still rely on using that service."

The Tamar Yacht Club's Richard Quigley has told ABC Local Radio safety could be compromised if the weather centre closes.

"Quite often the yachties will go into the Met Bureau, to their shop front, and literally sit with the staff there are work through various wind models wave models looking at aspects of safety on Bass Strait," he said.

"So it's not only for the farmers it's for the yachtsmen as well."

Launceston office senior forecaster, Brendan McMahon, says he found out about the possible closure from the ABC.

"I was unaware of it," he said.

"I mean I thought the Launceston weather office was doing a good job."

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Guy Barnett says the Federal Government confirmed the closure at Senate Estimates hearings in Canberra yesterday.

The Federal Labor Member for Bass, Jodie Campbell says an inquiry commissioned by the former Federal Government is examining the viability of all Weather Bureau centres across Australia.

She says at this stage it has not determined the Launceston office should close.

- ABC

© ABC 2007

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