FARMERS and regional communities in the Central West of New South Wales can now readily access detailed real-time weather observations received by the new Doppler radar at Yeoval.

Minister for Agriculture and Western NSW Dugald Saunders said the information provided by the radar will revolutionise how weather-dependent decisions are made, and will enhance the productivity of rural communities.

“The new Doppler radar at Yeoval enables the Bureau of Meteorology to provide accurate, real-time data, determining rain and wind velocity, raindrop and hail size, and the height of bushfire plumes up to 200 kilometres from the radar site,” Mr Saunders said.

“Primary producers, emergency services and rural businesses in the regional hubs of Orange, Dubbo, Mudgee and Cowra will benefit from the vital information broadcast by the radar, which aids timely and informed decision making.

“For our farmers, knowing when to sow, harvest or move stock in advance will significantly boost the business efficiencies of their enterprise.”

The Yeoval Doppler radar is 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.

“New Doppler radars at Brewarrina and Hillston-Ivanhoe went live in 2020 and 2021 respectively, and have since conveyed a wealth of weather information to the surrounding communities.

“The addition of Yeoval means an area covering approximately 30 per cent of NSW now has access to real-time weather warnings and forecasts.”

Mr Saunders said the combined impact of the Brewarrina, Hillston-Ivanhoe and Yeoval radars will be to eliminate previous real-time weather tracking blackspots in western NSW.

Data from the Yeoval Doppler radar is available via the Bureau of Meteorology weather app or website.

Source: NSW Government