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BoM Website Blunder: $96M Fiasco Under Fire
2 Dec
Summary
- BoM's new website cost $96 million after initial $4.1 million estimate.
- The agency faces accusations of succumbing to consultancy 'land and expand' tactics.
- Farmers and users criticize the website's difficult navigation and map readability.
The Bureau of Meteorology's new website has become a major point of contention, with its $96 million price tag drawing significant criticism. BoM's chief executive, Stuart Minchin, recently defended the substantial cost during a combative Senate estimates hearing, facing accusations that the agency fell victim to a consultancy firm's "land and expand" strategy. This extensive cost, far exceeding the initial $4.1 million estimate, covers design work by Accenture Australia.
The website's relaunch has been met with widespread dissatisfaction. Farmers, website designers, and politicians have voiced strong objections to the changes. Key issues include difficulties in navigation and radar maps that obscure place names, making the site impractical for many users. The public outcry highlights concerns over the value and functionality delivered for the significant public investment.
Environment Minister Murray Watt was also present at the hearing, underscoring the government's engagement with the issue. The situation has ignited a national debate about public spending on digital infrastructure and the influence of private consultancies on government projects. The BoM's leadership is now tasked with addressing these criticisms and improving the user experience.
