BoM proposes new weather radar station in Tennant Creek

The BoM has initiated plans to construct a state-of-the-art S Doppler Weather Radar station in Tennant Creek, as part of a nationwide initiative to enhance severe weather warning systems.

Digitally generated preview of what the site will look like at One Tank Hill. Picture: GBD Engineering

The Bureau of Meteorology is looking to build a new S Doppler Weather Radar station in Tennant Creek after recently lodging a development application with the NT Government.

The BoM is planning to build the station at the Bill Allen Lookout (One Tank Hill) at 2340 Peko Road after surveying six other sites in the Tennant Creek area.

The development would include the building of a radar, dome and tower, a set of generators, satellite communication footing and the erection of a 2.7 metre high security mesh fence and gate, with Peko Road from Ruger Road to also be sealed.

An overlay of the proposed radar station. Picture: GBD Engineering

Site location in relation to Tennant Creek. Picture: GBD Engineering

The proposed development comes as the BoM looks to implement a nationwide upgrade of weather stations to “improve severe weather warning notifications, particularly in rural and remote regions”, according to the application.

The facility itself would actually be unmanned with only two-to-three visits by maintenance personnel every year.

Seven sites were originally assessed for the new radar station, before three were ruled out after on site visits due to unsuitable terrain, including lack of elevation.

Four sites met the requirements for the Tennant Creek radar, including accessibility, coverage criteria and public infrastructure requirements.

The One Tank Hill site was chosen in the end due to its “excellent road access and the need for minimal site work”.