The presentation will provide a case study focussed on the Bureau of Meteorology (the Bureau) supporting the Fitzroy Crossing community. In December 2022, the Bureau forecast TC Ellie. During December 2022/January 2023, the Bureau provided emergency management support, during the flooding event caused from the tropical low (Ex-TC Ellie) the formed over the Kimberley region. The Bureau also provided extended aerodrome forecast (TAF) services to the region to support emergency evacuations.
Following the event, Fitzroy Bridge Alliance engaged the Bureau to support the construction of a new bridge over the Fitzroy River to provide improved resilience for the Great Northern Highway. The Fitzroy Bridge Alliance comprises BG&E, the BMD Group, and the Georgiou Group, in partnership with Main Roads WA.
The Bureau’s role in the project was to provide forecast advice and decision support to ensure the safety of personnel working on the project. Importantly, the advice enabled the timely removal of equipment located in the riverbed, when forecast river levels exceed project thresholds. The Bureau supported the project during the critical construction phases from June 2024 through to completion in December 2024. This presentation will showcase the Bureau’s capabilities in supporting critical transport infrastructure delivery
