UPDATE: The Bureau of Meteorology (BoM) faces intense backlash after revealing the staggering cost of its newly redesigned website, which has reportedly reached an eye-watering $96 million. This shocking figure was disclosed by new bureau chief Dr. Stuart Minchin amid criticism over the website’s usability just as Severe Tropical Cyclone Fina wreaked havoc on Darwin this weekend.
The BoM’s troubled app, unveiled on October 22, 2025, has been slammed by users as “too difficult to use,” with many struggling to access critical weather information. The app’s rollout has cost taxpayers significantly more than the initially reported $4.1 million, which did not account for a $78 million contract with Accenture Australia for private consultation.
Dr. Minchin admitted, “I’ve looked into it. The total cost, when you add the Accenture work, the security testing and everything else, it’s about $96 million,” during an interview with the Sydney Morning Herald. His commitment to transparency comes as calls for accountability intensify, particularly from Nationals leader David Littleproud, who stated, “Australians deserve transparency regarding the much-maligned website.”
The redesign has not only frustrated users but also raised serious concerns. Littleproud emphasized, “This isn’t just about a clunky website; the changes actually put lives and safety at risk.” He criticized the BoM’s previous weather predictions that led to panic among farmers, ultimately resulting in devastating losses.
As the backlash grows, a BoM spokesperson confirmed the total $96.5 million expenditure, stating, “A complete rebuild was necessary to ensure the website meets modern security, usability, and accessibility requirements for millions of Australians who rely on it each day.”
Users have voiced their frustrations, especially regarding the new layout, which has made it difficult to find essential features like the rain radar. Reports indicate that many users couldn’t even access localized weather forecasts, with the new version only displaying the past 40 minutes of weather data. Additionally, the site suffered outages, including a crash of the weather radar during severe thunderstorms across southeast Queensland.
Dr. Peter Stone, the acting BoM chief executive, defended the new site shortly after its launch, admitting, “It’s clear we need to do more to help people through the change.” He pledged to act swiftly on community feedback, promising more adjustments in the coming weeks.
BoM officials have reiterated their commitment to improving the website based on user feedback. They stated, “We will continue to develop and promote support materials to address common themes in community feedback.” The bureau has acknowledged that while initial user satisfaction may dip, they expect it to rise as users become more familiar with the new platform.
As of now, the BoM is under pressure to address these shortcomings and ensure the safety and satisfaction of millions of Australians who depend on their weather services. The public will be closely watching the agency’s next steps as the fallout from this costly redesign continues to unfold.
Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
