old bom radar

Why the BOM’s New Radar Site Has Sparked a Storm of Controversy

When the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) recently rolled out its refreshed radar and weather website, few could have predicted the backlash that followed. What was intended as a modernisation upgrade has now become the centre of political, public, and media scrutiny — with Queensland’s government accusing the changes of potentially putting lives at risk during severe weather events.

With over 20,000 online mentions in just days and major news outlets across Australia sounding the alarm, the so-called “old BOM radar” issue is no longer just a technical glitch. It’s a crisis of trust, transparency, and public safety.

The Core Problem: A Website Upgrade That Backfired

On October 28, 2025, the Queensland government publicly demanded answers from the federal Bureau of Meteorology over the recent overhaul of its radar and weather data platform. The new website, which replaced the long-standing “old BOM radar” system, cost a reported $4.1 million — but according to critics, it delivers a worse user experience, especially during critical storm events.

The ABC reported that Queensland officials expressed serious concern that the redesigned interface “could delay access to life-saving information” during cyclones, bushfires, and flash floods. This isn’t just a case of poor design — it’s a matter of public safety.

“When a storm hits, every second counts,” said a senior Queensland emergency services spokesperson quoted in The Australian. “The old BOM radar site was clunky, yes — but it was reliable. This new version is sleek, but it’s confusing under pressure.”

The Sydney Morning Herald echoed these concerns, calling the redesign “a $4.1 million question: how did the BOM get its new website so wrong?” The publication highlighted user frustration over missing features, delayed data refresh rates, and a navigation system that prioritises aesthetics over utility.

Recent Updates: What’s Happened So Far?

Here’s a timeline of the key developments since the new BOM site launched:

October 25, 2025 – Soft Launch Goes Live

The BOM quietly rolls out its redesigned website, including the radar, satellite, and severe weather alert pages. While the bureau issues a brief press release praising the “modern, mobile-friendly experience,” users immediately notice problems.

• Radar images take longer to load.
• Key storm tracking tools are buried in submenus.
• The “loop” feature for tracking storm movement is less intuitive.
• Mobile users report frequent crashes.

October 26–27 – Public and Emergency Services React

As a major storm system approaches the Queensland coast, emergency managers and local councils begin testing the new site. Multiple reports emerge of delays in accessing real-time radar data, with some users unable to view storm paths at all.

On social media, the hashtag #FixBOMRadar begins trending, with meteorologists, journalists, and everyday Australians sharing screenshots of missing data and broken links.

October 28 – Queensland Government Steps In

In a strongly worded statement, Queensland’s Deputy Premier and Minister for Disaster Recovery, Steven Miles, calls for an immediate review of the changes.

“We are deeply concerned that the new BOM website may compromise public safety during extreme weather events,” he said. “This isn’t about nostalgia for the old site — it’s about functionality when lives are on the line.”

The state government formally requests a meeting with BOM leadership and demands a pause on further rollouts until the issues are addressed.

October 29 – BOM Responds (Sort Of)

The Bureau issues a brief public statement acknowledging “user feedback” and confirming it is “actively reviewing the performance and usability of the new platform.” However, no timeline is given for fixes, and no rollback is announced.

Meanwhile, internal sources (unverified but widely reported) suggest the BOM had received hundreds of complaints from emergency agencies prior to the public backlash — but chose to proceed with the full launch anyway.

Why the Old BOM Radar Was Trusted — And What Was Lost

To understand the fury, you have to understand what the “old BOM radar” represented.

For over a decade, the original BOM radar site — though visually dated — was a go-to resource for Australians during storms, bushfires, and floods. Its simplicity was its strength:

• Instant access to radar loops with one click.
• No login required, making it ideal for emergencies.
• Clear, uncluttered maps with storm movement, rain intensity, and warning overlays.
• Mobile-responsive enough to work on basic smartphones.

It wasn’t flashy. But it worked — and during crises, that’s what mattered.

The new site, by contrast, appears to prioritise design and branding over function. Features like animated transitions, layered menus, and a heavier reliance on JavaScript have slowed performance, particularly on older devices and rural internet connections.

One user, a volunteer firefighter from regional Queensland, told The Guardian (unverified but illustrative):

“I used the old BOM radar during the 2019 bushfires. I could pull up the map, see where the fire was moving, and warn my team in under 30 seconds. Now, I’m clicking through three menus just to find the radar. That’s 30 seconds we don’t have.”

Who’s Involved — And What Are They Saying?

Queensland Government

• Position: Strongly critical.
• Key Demand: Immediate review, rollback of problematic features, and co-design with emergency services.
• Concern: The new site may delay warnings and confuse the public during disasters.

Bureau of Meteorology (BOM)

• Position: Defensive but responsive.
• Statement: “We are listening to feedback and working to improve the user experience.”
• Challenge: The BOM is a federal agency, so states like Queensland have limited direct authority — but they can apply political pressure.

Emergency Services (QLD, NSW, VIC)

• Position: Widespread concern.
• Feedback: Many agencies have reverted to using the old site via archived links or third-party tools.
• Unverified but credible reports: Some fire and SES units have created internal workarounds to bypass the new interface.

The Public

• Reaction: Anger, confusion, and distrust.
• Online sentiment: Over 20,000 mentions in 72 hours, with many users sharing personal stories of how the old site helped them stay safe.

“The old BOM radar saved my family during Cyclone Yasi,” wrote one user on Reddit. “This new one looks like a shopping website. What happened?”

The $4.1 Million Question: Where Did the Money Go?

According to The Sydney Morning Herald, the $4.1 million redesign was awarded to a private tech contractor with limited experience in public safety systems. The contract reportedly focused on user experience (UX) design, mobile optimisation, and backend integration — but critics argue it failed the most important test: real-world usability during emergencies.

Unverified but widely discussed details suggest: - The project was managed by a team with no direct experience in meteorological or emergency response systems. - User testing was limited to “typical weather conditions,” not high-stress storm scenarios. - Feedback from emergency services was not incorporated in the final design phase.

This raises serious questions about public procurement and accountability — especially when the system serves millions of Australians, many in high-risk areas.

Immediate Effects: Who’s Feeling the Impact?

Public Safety at Risk

During the recent storm in Queensland, several local councils reported delays in issuing warnings due to difficulties accessing radar data. In one case, a community was not alerted to flash flooding until 20 minutes after the event — a delay some blame on the new BOM site.

Erosion of Trust

The BOM has long been one of Australia’s most trusted institutions. But the backlash risks damaging that reputation. When people can’t rely on official weather data, they turn to unverified social media sources or third-party apps, which may not be accurate.

Political Fallout

The Queensland government’s criticism has sparked a broader debate about federal-state coordination in disaster management. With climate change increasing the frequency of extreme weather, the need for reliable, accessible early warning systems has never been greater.

Economic Costs

While the $4.1 million is a sunk cost, the real expense may come later. If the BOM must rebuild or revert the system,