The Bureau of Meteorology's (BOM) new website launch has sparked a storm of controversy, with a potential price tag that will blow you away. Brace yourself for the eye-watering figures!
It's been revealed that the BOM's website revamp, which sparked public outrage, may cost far more than initially disclosed. While the BOM stated the new interface cost a mere $4.1 million, government tender documents suggest a much larger investment.
Here's the scoop: the government awarded a whopping $78 million contract to Accenture Australia for developing the website's content management system (CMS). But wait, there's more! Sources indicate that with additional contractors involved, the total cost could skyrocket to a staggering $150 million.
But here's where it gets controversial. The BOM's general manager, Matt Collopy, defended the $4.1 million figure, dismissing other reported costs. He emphasized that the new website was part of a broader IT transformation program, 'Robust,' which aimed to enhance the agency's security and resilience after cyber attacks.
So, was this a necessary upgrade or a costly overreaction? Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt praised the BOM but sidestepped questions about the website's value for taxpayers. As the true costs remain shrouded in mystery, the public is left wondering: is this a case of government overspending, or a crucial investment in our nation's weather services?
The BOM has yet to provide clarity on the matter, leaving room for speculation and debate. What do you think? Is the BOM's new website a digital disaster or a well-funded necessity?
