The Bureau of Meteorology (B.O.M.) has recently launched a new weather app intended to serve as a significant improvement over its predecessor. However, many users have found this app to be a step backward in terms of functionality and usability. 

During the recent storms in southeast Queensland, it became indisputably clear that the new app's performance was lacking. Alerts issued by B.O.M. through the app did not communicate sufficient clarity and detail, leaving local residents ill-prepared for severe weather events, such as the approaching hail storms. The app's radar storm images failed to adequately depict these dangerous conditions, leading to confusion and potential safety risks for affected communities.

Previously, B.O.M.'s app provided users with detailed, dependable and easily accessible weather information necessary for preparing against severe weather conditions. It was a tool that users could rely on, equipped with comprehensive radar features depicting storm patterns accurately.

Unfortunately, the new app does not meet these standards, as it is clunky, difficult to follow, and lacks the informative details that were once essential features of its predecessor.

With Australia's unique and sometimes harsh weather conditions, accurate and accessible weather information is crucial for the safety and well-being of citizens. It is imperative for B.O.M. to prioritise public safety over any perceived aesthetic or technological advancement. We call upon the Bureau of Meteorology to discontinue the current app, reinstate the previous version or develop a more reliable alternative that addresses these shortcomings with full transparency and an unwavering commitment to the safety of its users.

We urge B.O.M. to engage with its app users in gathering feedback and thoroughly understanding their needs before implementing any further changes. The commitment to user-friendly design and comprehensive weather alerts is non-negotiable, especially as we face increasingly volatile weather patterns owing to climate change.

Sign this petition to demand a reconsideration of B.O.M.'s app strategies and ensure the safety and preparedness of every community across Queensland and Australia.