Role statement - Bureau of Meteorology

Bureau of Meteorology

The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) is Australia's national weather, climate and water agency operating under the authority of the Meteorology Act 1955 and the Water Act 2007. BoM’s expertise and services assist Australians in dealing with the harsh realities of the natural environment, including drought, floods, fires, storms, tsunami and tropical cyclones. Through regular forecasts, warnings, monitoring and advice spanning the Australian region and Antarctic territory, BoM provide one of the most fundamental and widely used services of government.

Mitigation

Activity Critical task alignment / activity source

Contribute to community awareness activities related to meteorological and hydrological phenomena and warning systems

1.2, 1.6

Contribute to community hazard mapping by leading analysis of relevant meteorological and hydrological information 

1.4, 2.1, 4.4, 4.6

Participating agency for the following bushfire mitigation activities:

  • fire ignition controls including fire danger period determination, total fire ban days and arson programs
  • community education, awareness and engagement to prevent and respond to bushfire and bushfire smoke

Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation

Participating agency for the following flood mitigation activities:

  • flood emergency planning including readiness
  • community engagement, education and awareness
  • flood data/intelligence and mapping
  • Total Flood Warning System as per Victorian Floodplain Management Strategy

Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation

Participating agency for the following heatwave mitigation activities:

  • weather forecasting
  • monitor and broadcast warnings of heat events

Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation

Participating agency for the following storm mitigation activity:

  • BoM weather and warning network and systems

Table 8: Participating agencies for mitigation

Response (including Relief)

Activity Critical task alignment / activity source

Issue warnings on gales, storms, tsunami, solar storms and other weather conditions likely to endanger life or property, or that give rise to floods or bushfires

2.1, 2.3

In coordination with Victorian state agencies, provide weather-related information to media, including direct broadcast via radio and the internet 

2.3, 3.2, 4.5

Provide expert advice for emergencies influenced by meteorological and hydrological conditions 

4.5, 4.6

Provide weather forecasts and meteorological and hydrological information 

4.5, 4.6

Lead Response Support Agency (RSA) for the functional area of weather

Table 10: Support agencies for response

Recovery

For recovery activities, refer directly to the agency for further information.

Assurance and Learning

For assurance and learning activities, refer directly to the agency for further information.