US EditionWatt Unaware of Scope of $96m Blowout of BoM Website
The Bureau of Meteorology's website redesign cost $96.5 million, over 20 times the initial estimate, causing usability complaints and government intervention, officials said.
- On October 22 the Bureau of Meteorology launched a new website, admitting the project cost approximately $96.5 million, far exceeding the original $4 million forecast for Australian taxpayers.
- A BOM cost breakdown shows $4.1 million for redesign, $79.8 million for website build, and $12.6 million for launch and security testing, with a private consultancy handling the technical work.
- BOM users complained that the radar map was hard to read and GPS searches were limited, prompting BOM to revert the radar map and add fire behaviour index information in November.
- Environment Minister Murray Watt met twice with Dr Stuart Minchin, new BOM chief executive, asking him to report on the issues while the federal government ordered fixes and Minchin postponed updates during Cyclone Fina.
- Amid criticism, opposition figures demanded explanations and consequences, with Nationals leader David Littleproud saying `It is unbelievable a private consultancy was paid $78 million to redesign the website'.
24 Articles
24 Articles
Bureau of Meteorology weathers website storm
The Bureau of Meteorology's controversial website redesign carries a staggering 96 million dollar price tag. The cost blowout has drawn sharp criticism from both government ministers and the opposition. Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt has expressed deep concern over the massive expenditure, while Nationals Leader David Littleproud warns the public that the exorbitant cost will further erode trust in the agency.
Minister Orders Culture Reset at BOM After Website Blowout Soars to $96 Million
Environment Minister Murray Watt has called for a “culture change” at Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology after revelations that its troubled website overhaul ballooned from an expected $4.1 million to a massive near $96 million (US$62 million). Watt said he expected the agency’s new leadership to restore public trust and improve internal accountability. “I’m looking forward to a bit of a change in the culture and the approach of the BOM, and I wa…
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