The BOM's Website Debacle: A Costly Affair?
The recent launch of the Bureau of Meteorology's (BOM) new website has sparked controversy and left many questioning the true cost of this digital overhaul. With initial estimates suggesting a price tag of $4.1 million, the reality might be far more shocking.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Documents have unveiled a potential $78 million contract for website development, and some sources hint at a staggering $150 million price for the content management system alone!
The BOM's new website is just a small part of a larger, $866 million IT transformation program called Robust. This program was initiated after cyber attacks and outages in 2015 and 2016, with the federal government stepping in to fund the agency's resilience and security upgrade.
And this is the part most people miss...
While the BOM's general manager, Matt Collopy, stands by the $4.1 million figure, other reports suggest a much higher cost. With additional contractors and a complex digital infrastructure, the true expense remains a mystery.
Other government tenders for BOM-related IT projects, valued at around $30 million each, further complicate the picture. Are these costs related to the website's redesign?
Minister Murray Watt, when asked about the website upgrade, sidestepped the question, emphasizing the importance of reliable information from the BOM.
So, is this a case of taxpayer money well spent? Or has the BOM's website become a costly mistake?
The ABC has sought clarity from the Bureau, but as of now, the true cost remains unknown.
What are your thoughts? Is the BOM's new website worth the potential price tag? Let's discuss in the comments and explore this controversial topic further!
