Farmers in the Yanakie region of Victoria are mobilizing to preserve a local weather station that recently ceased operations. The shutdown, which took place at the beginning of July 2023, has raised concerns among the agricultural community that relies on accurate weather data for their livelihoods.
Matthew Marriott, a farmer with deep roots in Yanakie, has been observing the changing weather patterns along the Prom Coast since 1975. He emphasizes the unpredictability of coastal weather, stating, “We’re right on the coast, so conditions here are always changing.” The Yanakie automatic weather station, operational since 2012, provided crucial data on temperature, wind speed, and rainfall, essential for farmers and horse trainers like Marriott.
The station was funded through a one-time grant from the federal government and is part of a network of approximately 650 weather stations across Australia. While the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) operates most of these stations, around 200 are owned by local councils or private entities.
A significant concern arose when Robert Tracy, another local farmer, noted the gap in weather observation data following the station’s closure. Tracy recalled the impact of a severe storm in 2011, which underscored the need for reliable weather monitoring. He stated, “That became especially clear after a severe storm hit our region in 2011,” leading to the establishment of the Yanakie station the following year.
Transparency Issues
The decision to close the Yanakie weather station was met with criticism due to a perceived lack of transparency. Tracy indicated that discussions regarding the station’s future occurred without community input. “We didn’t hear about the planned shutdown until April,” he remarked, emphasizing the need for better communication.
A spokesperson for the BOM explained that the agency can only maintain and oversee weather stations where a “formal funding agreement” is established. Over the past five years, the BOM has closed three automatic weather stations, including Yanakie, due to directives from customers to cease operations.
The closure of the Yanakie station is not an isolated case. In a similar situation, the community of Nilma North, located approximately 125 kilometres north-east of Yanakie, faced the impending shutdown of their weather station. Retired dairy farmer Colin Gray took the initiative to advocate for its continuation. “Within a month, we had everyone writing letters and contacting their councillors about it,” Gray said. His efforts led to a commitment from the Baw Baw Shire Council to fund the Nilma North station for an additional three years.
Community Advocacy
Back in Yanakie, the South Gippsland Shire Council is now actively seeking funding to restore the local weather station’s operations. Chief Executive Allison Jones reported that council representatives, including the mayor and deputy mayor, recently visited Canberra to discuss the future of the Yanakie service with government officials.
Tracy expressed optimism about the council’s engagement, stating, “We need to know what the weather is doing.” The Yanakie area, known for its proximity to Wilsons Promontory National Park, is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. Marriott concurs, asserting, “It provides critical data for us farmers, as well as local fire brigades, park rangers, professional fishermen, recreational boaters, and tourists.”
The efforts to save the Yanakie weather station highlight the importance of local weather information for various stakeholders within the community. As farmers, fishers, and residents band together, they remain committed to ensuring that their access to vital weather data continues.
