REDEVELOPMENT OF WILLIS ISLAND METEOROLOGICAL OFFICE, r

Statement of Evidence and Supporting Drawings for Presentation to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Public Works

Bureau of MeteoroJogy June 2005 Contents

Introduction 3 Background 3 Existing Buildings and Structures 3 Requirement Summary 5 Cost Implications 5 Objectives 7 Functions 7 Bureau Objectives 7 Date for Completion 7 Options 8 The Proposal 10 Design Considerations 11 Design 11 Building Works and Services 13 Structural Design 13 Engineering Facilities 13 Timetable 15 Economic, Environmental and Social Impacts 16 Longer Term Planning 17 Consultation 18

Appendices A Drawings B Media Release

33/10340/21692 Introduction

Background

1. Willis Island is located 240 nautical miles (approximately 450 kin) east of in the Coral Sea. The Willis Island Meteorological Office provides observation data and early warning monitoring of cyclones using radar and other observation technology. This supports the Bureau’s national operations and severe weather warning services for the north Queensland coast. 2. The island’s meteorological station commenced operation in 1921, with most of the existing Willis Island building infrastructure constructed in either 1950 or 1968. Refurbishment and maintenance has continued, but the 50-year-old facilities useful life, in this harsh environment, is nearing its end. Assessment of the scientific value of Willis Island is complex and revolves around its unique maritime location, its long (80 years) climatological history and its front-line warning capability for tropical cyclones approaching NE Queensland. It is highly valued for its contribution to routine weather forecasting and warning services. 3. From a climate perspective the importance of Willis Island is internationally acknowledged. Willis Island plays an important role in the monitoring and detection of long- term climate change. The Secretary-General of WMO recently requested Willis Island be designated as a member of the Global Upper Air Network. This would improve coverage in the Western Pacific/Coral Sea area and assist in the understanding of global climate change. 4. The Bureau initiated a temporary (18 month) de-staffing of Willis Island Observing Office on 2 June 2004 to enable refurbishment of the aged infrastructure and facilities, and replacement of key observing equipment, at an estimated equipment value of $1 .3M. Ongoing synoptic observations from Willis Island are being provided by an Automatic Weather Station (AWS) system to monitor basic parameters until the full operations are restored. 5. Detailed design of the new facilities has been completed and construction is planned to commence immediately with completion targeted before the commencement of the 2005- 06 tropical cyclone season. Costing for the rebuilding/replacementworks has been completed and a final Quantity Survey (OS) cost estimate of $7 million has been determined.

Existing Buildings and Structures 6. The existing facilities date from the late 1 940’s/ early 1950’s with substantial refurbishment since that time. A recreation room facility has been added to the existing living accommodation. The small parcel of land (total island is 7.7 hectares) accommodates eight (8) buildings of varying structure as follows:

3 a) The Main Building housing recreation, kitchen/dining, sleeping, office and equipment room constructed in 1950; b) The Main Store constructed in 1950; c) The Laundry Building constructed in 1950; d) The Bunker/Cyclone Shelter constructed in 1950; e) The Generator Building constructed in 1968; f) The Fire Pump Building constructed in 1968; g) The Flammable Liquids Bunker constructed in 1968; and h) The Balloon filling and Hydrogen Storage Building constructed 1950 (recently condemned). Personal living accommodation is provided in a barracks-like wing between the meteorological office and the kitchen-living room area. Construction istypically timber-framed on a coral shingle concrete slab. The existing footings have 200 x 200 x 1800 mm deep reinforced concrete piers at nominally 2700 mm centres around the perimeter. External cladding is painted weatherboard. The roof structure is a low pitch truss with corrugated asbestos cement sheeting. A variety of outbuildings are of similar construction. Meteorological equipment includes a defined equipment enclosure and a 7.Om high radar tower plus dome. There are a variety of standing slabs and a partially buried rubble pile on the northeastern side of the meteorological office.

Adequacy of Existing Buildings, Structures and Engineering facilities

7. A Report on Structural Adequacy of Islands Infrastructure — Willis Island

Meteorological Office — July 2001 whilst confirming the structural adequacy for some of the Island facilities found others have experienced significant deterioration. The presence of asbestos in the buildings present a potential health hazard. The continuing performance of existing structures is based on a high level of ongoing building fabric and systems maintenance, which will increase as buildings get older and deteriorate further. The existing Hydrogen Store, Drinking Water Storage and three smaller sheds on the north east side of the station are not considered structurally adequate and would require extensive remedial works to meet an acceptable standard. The water storage tanks (2 off polypropylene tanks) footings/platforms were stabilised during the 2002 personnel change over visit. 8. Engineering facilities are maintained to a good standard to meet operational requirements in a remote location. Several system elements are proposed for reuse on the island due to their age and continuing maintenance, including:

4 • Desalination plant • Fire and salt water pumps • Enviro-cycle sewage treatment plant • Fuel storage tanks and refilling pump Reticulation systems have evolved with the various site upgrades and cyclic maintenance and will not support redevelopment proposals. It is understood that redundantservices have been left in-ground and are unrecorded.

Requirement Summary

9. The meteorological observations on the island commenced in 1921, with most of the existing Willis Island building infrastructure constructed in either 1950 or 1968. Refurbishment and maintenance has continued, but the 50-year-old facilities useful life, in this harsh environment, is nearing its end. The Bureau has assessed the facilities located on Willis Island and has identified: • The existing infrastructure has substantial structural support damage and some areas can no longer be made safe foroperational use; • The presence of asbestos in the buildings, although contained, is a hazard to people on the island and visitors, such as maintenance staff; • Services infrastructure is 45 years old, including electrical wiring and plumbing, and represents a safety hazard for staff and visitors; • Staffing of the office is difficult and the current deteriorated state of the facility detracts from the station’s desirability as a staff posting; • The infrastructure costs associated with maintaining the existing facility in this remote and harsh environment is considerable, and are expected to increase in time. 10. As the facilities on Willis Island have exceeded their respective economic lives, the Bureau has completed the redevelopment plans for the replacement of the facilities as part of its ongoing asset replacement program.

Cost Implications

11. The proposed redevelopment of the facilities at Willis Island will involve the demolition of existing facilities and the construction of new buildings, which will comprise an operational field office, staff accommodation and messing facilities. The estimated 2004-05 out-turn cost for the construction is $7 Million with a further $1 .662 Million required for re- equipment of the site.

5 12. The proposed works have been included as a specific measure of the 2005/06 Federal budget and will be funded from Bureau budget appropriations. The current estimate of the construction and re-equipment is approximately $8.62 million.

6 Objectives

Functions

13. The re-development of the Willis Island Meteorological Office and associated staff accommodation facilities will provide for the recommencement of a full observations program at the site. This will reinstate a full and enhanced service to the Australian community by virtue of its front-line warning capability fortropical cyclones approaching NE Queensland and its contribution to routine weather forecasting and tropical cyclone warning services. 14. From a climate perspective the importance of Willis Island is internationally acknowledged. Willis Island plays an important role in the monitoring and detection of long- term climate change. The Secretary-General of WMO recently requested that Willis Island be designated for inclusion in the baseline Global Upper Air Network. This would improve coverage in the Western Pacific/Coral Sea area and assist in the understanding of climate change, both globally and in the environmentally sensitive Coral Sea Region.

Bureau Objectives

15. The re-establishment of a full observations program at Willis Island will contribute directlyto our agreementwith government that “ benefits from meteorological and related sciences and services” by the provision of enhanced forecasting and warning services.

Date for Completion

16. Subject to parliamentary approval, it is planned that work will commence mid 2005 and be completed by the end of 2005.

7 Options

17. There is a broad continuum of options for the observing program on Willis Island, including: a) Restoration of the year round fully staffed observations and monitoring program, including surface and upper air programs and radar weather watch; b) Restoration of a manual program, including surface and upper air programs, with or without weather watch radar but only staffing it for the tropical wet season; c) Termination of the manual program but retention of an automated surface observing program. 18. The Bureau has considered each of these options (see table below) concluding that full restoration of operations at Willis Island is the only acceptable option. Automation of anything other than a basic surface observing program proved costly and extremely high risk at critical times. Staffing the station only during the wet season did not reduce significantly the cost of refurbishment, but exposed the facility to security risks during unoccupied periods. 19. To this end, the Bureau, has undertaken a detailed design and costing forthe project to restore a year round fully staffed program at Willis Island. It has committed to proceeding to tender, and to commence construction immediately with completion in late 2005.

8 Option Description Capital, Capital Annual Meeting Feasibility Rebuild Re- Operating science- Cost equip Cost excl. based Cost salaries & requirements (2005 allowances $s) (2005 $s)

1Fully staffed $7030K $1600K $906K Meets all Proven to be observations requirements feasible; and program responsive to all supported with Meteorological a full facility requirements. redevelopment.

2 Two-person $7000K $1 600K $705K Provides Technically staffed station, hourly surface feasible; offers very upper air, radar obs; little saving; and AWS Limited upper Issues: air obs; and 1) OH&S Limited compliance; climate data. 2) Social aspects (two staff) 3) Emergency response. 3 Remote radar $3300K $380K Meets climate AWS feasible; and AWS only and some Renewable energy — would require weather system for radar renewable requirements, untried — high risk energy but not QId (re cost, generation RFC; No operational system upper air reliability and development data; high risk inTC security). situations

4 Remote AWS $1100K $280K Meets basic Proven feasible; only climate and increased cyclone weather & climate record requirements risk; only, but not High maintenance QId RFC; costs and low data higher community reliability. risk in cyclone situations.

9 The Proposal

20. The redevelopment of the Bureau of Meteorology facilities at Willis Island, Coral Sea, seeks to replace the existing operational meteorological observation monitoring facility, and staff accommodation infrastructure in support of the Bureau’s mission. The proposed works includes the demolition, removal and replacement of the existing facilities and replacement with a new and more appropriate facility, which meets current and foreseeable future operational, amenity and accommodation requirements. 21. The works will commence with the demolition and removal of the following facilities: ~ Meteorological office, accommodation, messing and recreational structures; p Power house and paint store; p Balloon filling and Hydrogen storage building; cyclone shelter and flammable storage bunkers; • Fresh water storage tanks; • External paths and paving; and • Underground services. 22. The island infrastructure includes the meteorological observations office and field support equipment, staff amenities and accommodation, station energy generation and management, and life support facilities. The planned redevelopment in total supports a four-person deployment with six monthly resupply and staff changeover. During staff changeover an additional fifteen persons (i.e. the incoming crew, Bureau support personnel and maintenance support contractors) are required to be accommodated on the Island for a period of about three days. 23. Scope of the construction works include the following new facilities and services: p Meteorological office, messing area, accommodation, recreational area, powerhouse; p Hydrogen generator building and gas storage, including associated site works;

P Relocate the fuel storage tanks to a new concrete bunded diesel fuel area; • New underground services (including: communications, power distribution, water, sewage and fire hose reel services); • Relocate satellite dishes and radar tower; and • Refurbish the salt water pump building.

10 Design Considerations

Design 24. The proposed facility design provides a series of 5 functional wings linked by a central north-south circulation corridor/covered way. The primary facilities are internally linked. Working from the south, the following wings are provided (refer to drawings at Appendix A) • Meteorological Office (east of spine) All working accommodation is provided in this wing with the observers’ work areas at the eastern end providing maximum view towards the prevailing weather direction. This wing is in close proximity to the equipment enclosure. The existing radar tower will be relocated to adjacent the equipment room. • Living Accommodation (west of spine) This wing provides all of the daily living facilities and is located adjacent the access track from the sea to facilitate supply deliveries. The recreation area has been marginally increased to accommodate existing functions. A covered outdoor area is provided on the northern side of the wing and is sheltered from the prevailing weather. • Personal Accommodation (east of spine) This wing provides 4 individual bedrooms with adjoining bathrooms. • LaundryNisiting Personnel (west of spine) This wing provides a laundry and a gymnasium area, which also serves as visiting persons’ room accommodating up to 10 people. This wing is provided with 2 ensuite bathrooms, one of which contains a bath for use by stationed personnel when visitors are not present. A mattress store is provided for storage of mattresses when not in use. • Stores/Workshop (east of spine) The meteorological store and adjacent containerised power plant is located at the northern end of the spine. Additional facilities include a maintenance workshop, with external work area, and desalination plant room. The containerised plant is screened from the living accommodation by the stores wing enhancing acoustic separation of the facilities. Its location ensures exhaust fumes are blown away from the living accommodation by prevailing winds. 25. The proposed building forms provide simple shallow curved roof forms. The central spine roof is proposed to have a similarly curved roof reflecting the existing topographical form of the island. This combination of roofs minimises the amount of roof steps/ledges, which are attractive to roosting birds. 26. Associated structures include support platforms for photovoltaic arrays, which are arranged to optimise solar collection and follow the natural contours, and the fowl run and vegetable garden, which have been relocated to the western side of the complex.

11 27. Buildings are orientated along an east-west axis to optimise passive solar control features, passive cross ventilation from the prevailing weather direction and take advantage of the available development site.

12 Building Works and Services

28. The construction system proposed optimises the balance between on-site and off-site fabrication and the transport and access limitations presented by Willis Island’s isolation. A fully timber-framed structure using heavily galvanised steel bolted and plated connections is proposed. It is anticipated that frames and trusses will be pre-fabricated in manageable sections and demounted prior to shipment. 29. The proposed building’s external cladding system is pre-finished profiled aluminium panels at high level combined with naturally weathering timber at low level. The abrasive action of wind blown coral grit has been considered with the selection of these materials. Extensive use of a single cladding material (roofs and walls) may result in a relatively industrial environment for what is substantially a residential/administrative facility. The design team carried out a comprehensive assessment of cladding materials for comparison purposes prior to the final selection of materials.

Structural Design

Sub-Structure 30. The use of hot dip galvanised, screw in pile foundations to support the floor chassis is proposed. Screw in foundations are economical, can be installed by a powerful bobcat or 12 tonne excavator with the appropriate attachment and create very little spoil as there are not excavations required. The expected rate of corrosion to the piles will be determined and the wall thickness sized to give the required life of 50 years.

Floor Framing 31. Seasoned Tallow wood framing is proposed for the floor framing. It is a durable, relatively strong and readily available hardwood. All fixings will be heavy duty galvanised in enclosed floor cavities. cyclonic Perlormance 32. The building design for the Meteorological Office zone is engineered to ensure personal safety of Bureau staff in the event of cyclonic conditions. This includes incorporation of design elements such as increased bracing, cyclonic glazing and plywood sheathing to walls and roof levels.

Engineering Facilities 33. Significant emphasis has been placed on the application of energy efficient, environmentally responsible, low maintenance engineering services systems. Systems proposed will not compromise the effective operation of the station.

13 Water 34. Potable waterwill be provided by utilising the existing packaged desalination plant drawing seawater from the existing well. Storage will be provided by new 30,000 litre non-corrosive polyethylene tanks. Allowance has been included for new pumping equipment and reticulation. Hot water generation will be by means of a heat exchange system.

Sewerage 35. Sewerage will be treated by the existing package treatment system (Envirocycle). It is proposed treated effluent will be disposed of by land irrigation in accordance with current practice.

Stormwater 36. It is proposed that rainwater be collected via a gutter and downpipe system and discharged to ground. Rainwater harvesting has not been implemented due to the high level of marine bird life and guano deposits.

Fire Protection 37. A fully reticulated fire hose reel system will be provided to provide coverage to all parts of the facility. The system will draw saltwater via the existing pump system. The hose reel system will be supplemented by chemical fire extinguishersat key locations. A hard-wired interconnected smoke detection system with audible and visual alarms will be provided.

Power Generation 38. The proposal is to provide on-site power generation, in a manner that is not only economical, but one that minimises the risk of pollution to the environment and also minimises the production of Greenhouse Gas emissions. Power generation for the proposed facility comprises a hybrid system of a diesel generator combined with a wind generator and a photovoltaic array (solar power). Due to the remoteness of the site a full level of redundancy is provided by an additional larger diesel generator serving as a backup should the hybrid system fail. The advantages of the hybrid system, incorporating renewable plus dieselfuel sources include minimising risk of pollution through reduced transportation and use of fuel oil, reduction of greenhouse gas emission, reduced maintenance of the diesel generator sets.

14 Timetable

39. Subject to parliamentary approval it is proposed to commence construction immediately with the objective of completing an operational facility by December2005. The timing of the project is endeavouring to have the facility operational for the coming cyclone season and to limit the risks of construction during this period.

15 Economic, Environmental and Social Impacts

40. Willis Island is controlled by the Commonwealth of Australia and occupied by the Bureau of Meteorology for meteorological purposes under the authority of the Coral Sea Act. As such developmentcontrols are vested in the Commonwealth. All works areto comply with the requirements of the Building Code of Australia and its referenced Codes and Standards. 41. The Bureau is planning to construct its new facilities within the confines of the existing site. The Bureau will comply with the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity and Conservation Act 1999, and other relevant codes to ensure that any impact on the surrounding environs is minimal. Extensive consultation with the Department of the Environment and Heritage regarding environmental management has been undertaken. As a result of this consultation protection of the resident green turtle population, island bird hatcheries and the surrounding coral reefs are to be incorporated in the building contractor’s Environmental Management Plan. This Environmental Management Plan will particularly coversite access and site protection during the construction period. The use of a hybrid (renewable/non-renewable (diesel)) energy system will have a positive environmental impact through reduced fossil fuel use, while supporting sustained operation of the station in all weather conditions.

42. The operations associated with this proposal will not generate any revenue. The redevelopment will result in lower maintenance costs and the use of alternative renewable energy sources will achieve some minor savings. The construction activity will provide opportunities for Australian businesses engaged in the redevelopment, which is expected, to be completed within six months. 43. The isolation of the site means that the redevelopment will have minimal impact on the local community. The provision of enhanced forecasting and warning services will provide improved services to the communities along the NE QLD coastline.

16 Longer Term Planning

44. The redevelopment of the Willis Island facility is part of the Bureau’s Asset Replacement Program, boosted through specific measure in the 2005/06 Federal Budget decision, that endeavours to replace its Meteorological Field Offices on a thirty year cyclical program. There are no further developments proposed for this site over the next ten year planning horizon.

17 Consultation

45. Discussions have been held with the following organisations: • Environment Australia • Department of Territories and Regional Services. A joint media release (see Appendix B) has been made by the Federal Member for Flinders (Parliamentary Secretary with responsibilityfor the Bureau of Meteorology), the Federal Member for Leichhardt and the Federal Member for Herbert.

18 Appendix A Drawings EXISTING INSTRUMENT EXiSTiNG ENCLOSURE BIDCYCLE UNIT ~•~NEW FHR NEW TV_DISHES 0 NEW SCRUB OP INGROUND ;-(—---N EMERGENCY 6 0 WATER ~ EVACUATION ZONE STORAGE

NEW ~, MAST (BY OTHERSI FNR

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Appendix B Media Release

33/10340/21692 Joint Media Release Greg Hunt MP Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for the Environment and Heritage Federal Member for Flinders & Warren Entsch MP Federal Member for Leichhardt & Peter Lindsay Federal Member for Herbert

11 May2005

GHO5/054

Federal budget delivers rebuild ofweather office at Willis Island Mr Greg Hunt MP, Parliamentary Secretary With ministerial responsibility for the Australian Bureau of Meteorology, joined Memberfor Leichhardt, Mr Warren Entsch, and Member for Herbert, Mr Peter Lindsay, today to announce the rebuilding of Willis Island’s meteorological office. “Willis Island’s field office is one of 12 being rebuilt over the next six years thanks to the Howard Government’s $19.8 million budget boost for the Bureau,” Mr Hunt said. “This new funding in the 2005-06 Budget demonstrates the Australian Government’s commitment to delivering quality meteorological services to communities across Australia. Mr Hunt congratulated Mr Entsch and Mr Lindsay for the work they have done to push for better services at Willis Island. The funding will combine with $14.2 million of existing Bureau funding to rebuild the 12 offices, which are part of an Australia-wide network of 50 offices.

33/10340/21 692 “Willis Island is the veteran of the offices to be replaced, located in an especially severe environment in the coral Sea. The office was built in 1950 and is a vital element in the tropical cyclone warning system,” Mr Entsch said. “Field offices are vital components of the Bureau’s surface and upper atmosphere observations and service delivery networks,” Mr Lindsay said. “They provide advice on local weather and feed data into the Global Observing System for monitoring weather and climate worldwide. Most operate weather-watch radars and also monitor the upper atmosphere with radar-tracked weather balloons.” The average age ofthe offices to be replaced is 40 years and many offices are in harsh climates and in exposed places. “This latest investment by the Howard Government complements the current five-year $62 million technological upgrade of the national weather service, which includes six Doppler radars and 15 new weather watch radars,” Mr Entsch said. Other offices to be rebuilt include Longreach and Charleville in Queensland; Sydney Airport in New South Wales; ceduna in South Australia; and Albany, Carnarvon, Geraldton, Broome, Halls Creek, Esperance and Port Hedland in Western Australia. The Bureau’s total resourcing for 2005-06 is $237.1 million. Media enquiries: Fiona Murphy (Mr Hunt’s office) 0423 577 045 Greg Doolan (Mr Entsch’s office) 0418 213 243 John Macgowan (Mr Lindsay’s office) 0418 762 307

Further information:

Telephone:

33/10340/21692