Fighting for essential Flinders Island service

A recent decision from the Bureau of Meteorology to reduce its aviation weather forecast from 24 hours a day to 10.5 hours a day was met with concern from residents and Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer.

During a recent visit to Flinders Island to meet with the community and attend the Flinders Island show, Bridget organised a petition for the community to sign to question the recent decision. In addition to making direct representation to Minister for Environment Sussan Ley, Bridget also organised a meeting between BOM representatives, the Minister, Department officials and Flinders Island community leaders to discuss the issue further.

As a result of this advocacy, BOM has now reversed the decision and will continue to provide 24 -hour aviation weather forecast for at least another three years.

“The continuation of this service is essential, and I am pleased to have given certainty to the local community and everyone who relies on the forecast,” Mrs Archer said.

For Flinders Island local Tony Griggs, the retention of the vital service has come as a relief, thanking Bridget and Minister Ley for their efforts in reversing the downgrade decision.

“We are grateful to you two for your passion, drive, enthusiasm and ability to cut through the bureaucracy and advocate on our behalf and more importantly to deliver,” Mr Griggs said.

As the only community-run organisation left in their town, the Moorina golf club, a 9-hole course, is the glue to connecting the community.

Run entirely by volunteers, the club was recently successful in receiving a grant under the Federal Government’s Powering Communities program which, according to President Leslie Rattray will be enormously beneficial to the club.

“The installation of solar panels will go a long way towards managing our ever-increasing power bills,” Mr Rattray said.

The program provides grants to not-for-profit community organisations to improve their energy efficiency practices and technologies leading to a reduction in energy use, improvement in energy productivity and delivery of carbon abatement.