The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) recently introduced significant revisions to its online platform, but these updates have drawn criticism from users who find them lacking in accessibility and ease of use.

In Queensland, some residents expressed concerns that these modifications left them ill-prepared for recent severe weather events. The state’s Premier, David Crisafulli, voiced his dissatisfaction, stating, “The website changes are perplexing and flawed.”

In response, the Bureau’s acting chief executive, Dr. Peter Stone, defended the website’s new design while acknowledging the need for enhancements to improve user experience.

“It’s evident we must do more to assist users in adapting to these changes by refining the website and clarifying its new features,” Stone remarked.

He emphasized, “The safety of Australians remains our top priority.”

Upgrades to the site, which had otherwise remained unchanged for the last 10 years, had been “specifically designed to enhance access to public safety information”.

“The Bureau’s forecasts and warnings are now more prominent, easily accessible and relevant to your location,” he said.

“We want to reiterate that observations, forecasts, warnings and severe weather updates continue to be readily available on our website, the app and our social media channels.”

Improvements to the digital weather service would be noticeable “in the coming weeks”, Stone said.

Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt earlier announced he had requested a meeting with Stone, admitting the website was falling short of serving Australians well.

“It’s clear that the new BOM website is not meeting many users’ expectations,” Watt said in a statement today.

“I requested a meeting with the Bureau of Meteorology Acting CEO, Mr Peter Stone, to discuss the public’s concerns with its updated website.

“In the meeting, I made clear my expectations that the BOM needed to consider this feedback and, where appropriate, adjust the website’s settings as soon as possible. This includes urgent consideration of improvements to the website’s functionality and useability.”

The upgrade cost an estimated $4.1 million.

A particular source of frustration were changes in the site’s rain radar, which was criticised for making the recent storms in Queensland appear weaker than they actually were.

Stone insisted public safety information and warnings had not been compromised by the website rollout.

“It’s important to note that the website radar provides one view of the current weather situation,” he said.

“It is not intended to replicate or replace the Bureau’s weather warnings which are created by our expert meteorologists and issued ahead of a severe weather event.”

Sunday’s storm left tens of thousands of people without power and saw 11,000 insurance claims made in Brisbane alone as winds, rain and hail battered the sunshine state.

Watt said due to the wild weather that can hit all parts of Australia, the BoM website must function properly to ensure all Australians can be safe and prepare accordingly.

“The BOM website is a critical tool to ensure public safety, particularly during the High Risk Weather Season and it must deliver the quality information our hardworking BOM staff are known for,” he said.

“Australians deserve to have confidence in these important services.”