The NSW Government's third Doppler weather radar has overcome COVID-related border closures and disruptions to the supply chain to remain on track for a 2022 completion.
Deputy Premier and Minister for Regional NSW Paul Toole and Minister for Agriculture and Minister for Western NSW Adam Marshall visited the site to receive an update on how construction was progressing.
"It's critical for farmers to have the most reliable and up-to-date weather information – and that's exactly what the Yeoval radar will deliver for farmers, emergency services and the wider communities of the Central West and western NSW," Mr Toole said.
"Local contractors from the Central West of NSW have been forging ahead with construction of the infrastructure supporting the radar, incorporating the main access road, site entrance, shelter with generator, fencing and security gate.
"The Yeoval radar will be the third of three new radars promised by the NSW Government to boost farmers' decision-making capacity with radars at Brewarrina and Hillston already operational and helping the Bureau of Meteorology to provide real-time data and increased accuracy in weather forecasts."
Mr Marshall said while COVID-19 had thrown up curveballs, the Yeoval radar was still on track to be turned on in 2022, delivering weather data to help farmers make better informed on-farm decisions.
"I know farmers, like the Government, are excited to have the Yeoval radar operational as soon as possible as it will provide instant, detailed weather information to some of our State's most diverse primary production areas," Mr Marshall said.
"Raindrops, hail, bushfire plumes and wind velocity can be detected from up to 200 kilometres from the radar, meaning towns such as Orange, Dubbo, Mudgee and Cowra will benefit from the Doppler radar's reach."
The Yeoval Doppler radar was funded by the NSW Government as part of a $24.5 million election commitment to deliver three new radars across the western region of the State.
