Portfolio Budget Statements 2004-2005

The following section provides details of the budget implications for the Bureau of Meteorology. Specifically it provides in the following order:

Outcome and Output Groups
		Total	Departmental
		Price of	Outputs
		Outputs	Appropriation
		$'000	$'000

BUREAU OF METEOROLOGY		205,284	190,447

Outcome 1 - Australia benefits from meteorological and related science and services
1.1	Meteorological and Related Data	118,707	117,695
1.2	Meteorological and Related Research	9,107	8,378
1.3	Meteorological and Related Services	74,896	61,800
1.4	International Meteorological Activities	2,574	2,574
TOTAL OUTCOME		205,284	190,447

This structure shows the relationship between the Government Outcome and contributing output groups for the Bureau of Meteorology. Financial details for this Outcome by output group appears in Table 2.1 while non-financial information for the Outcome appears in Table 2.2.

OUTPUT COST ATTRIBUTION

Direct costs incurred by the Bureau (salaries, suppliers etc) are coded directly to appropriate cost centres within the Financial Management System. These individual cost centres are subsequently attributed to Outputs based upon established, and regularly reviewed, matching of the activities of the individual cost centre to the relevant Output/s.

Indirect costs, that is overheads and activities that cut across all Outputs, are attributed to Outputs on the basis of pro-rata allocation against the most appropriate cost driver that can be consistently and logically applied.

Relationship Between Sub-outcome and Contributing Outputs

The following chart provides a diagrammatic representation of the output groups, contributing to Outcome 1 (Meteorology).


Outcome 1 - Australia benefits from meteorological and related science and services

	1.1 METEOROLOGICAL AND RELATED DATA

	1.2 METEOROLOGICAL AND RELATED RESEARCH

	1.3 METEOROLOGICAL AND RELATED SERVICES

	1.4 INTERNATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
	Note: Revenue from Government through appropriations contributes 92.8% to the total output price for this outcome for 2004-05.

CHANGES TO OUTCOMES AND OUTPUTS

Since the 2003-04 Budget, in response to operational issues internal to the Bureau, there has been a minor transfer of function between Output Group 1.1 Meteorological and Related Data and Output Group 1.3 Meteorological and Related Services.

The Bureau of Meteorology is the national meteorological authority for Australia. The ultimate outcome of the Bureau's operation is Australia benefits from meteorological and related science and services. The four basic elements of this outcome are:

MEASURES AFFECTING THE OUTCOME

TOTAL RESOURCES FOR THE OUTCOME

The following Table 2.1 provides details of the financial resources for Outcome 1. It shows the expenditure for each output group, revenue from Government, revenue from other sources and the total price of outputs. The average staffing level for this outcome also appears at the end of the table.

TABLE 2.1 - TOTAL RESOURCES FOR THE OUTCOME
	Estimated
	Actuals	Budget
	2003-04	2004-05
	$'000	$'000
ADMINISTERED APPROPRIATIONS	0	0
ADMINISTERED SPECIAL ACCOUNTS	0	0

DEPARTMENTAL APPROPRIATIONS
Output 1.1 - Meteorological and Related Data	122,155	117,695
Output 1.2 - Meteorological and Related Research	8,695	8,378
Output 1.3 - Meteorological and Related Services	64,142	61,800
Output 1.4 - International Meteorological Activities	2,672	2,574
TOTAL REVENUE FROM GOVERNMENT (Appropriations)	197,664	190,447
Contributing to Price of Departmental Output	92.6%	92.8%

REVENUE FROM OTHER SOURCES
Output 1.1 - Meteorological and Related Data	1,117	1,012
Output 1.2 - Meteorological and Related Research	1,387	729
Output 1.3 - Meteorological and Related Services	13,295	13,096
TOTAL REVENUE FROM OTHER SOURCES	15,799	14,837

TOTAL PRICE OF DEPARTMENTAL OUTPUTS	213,463	205,284
DEPARTMENTAL SPECIAL ACCOUNTS	0	0
TOTAL ESTIMATED RESOURCING	213,463	205,284

	2003-2004	2004-2005
AVERAGE STAFFING LEVEL (NUMBER)	1,441.0	1,401.0

CONTRIBUTION OF OUTPUTS

The four output groups the Bureau of Meteorology provides in support of the achievement of this outcome align directly with the four elements of the outcome as follows:

Outcome Element	Output Group
Satisfaction of present and future needs for continuous reliable data on Australian weather and climate	1.1 Meteorological and Related Data
Advancement of meteorological science and understanding of the mechanisms of Australian weather and climate	1.2 Meteorological and Related Research
Enhanced community safety and well-being through preparation of meteorological products and information and the effective use of meteorological and related services by the general public and other major social and economic sectors	1.3 Meteorological and Related Services
International cooperation and goodwill including the benefits of global meteorological cooperation under the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization and related international meteorological treaties and agreements	1.4 International Meteorological Activities

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION FOR THE OUTCOME

Table 2.2 lists the performance information that the Bureau of Meteorology will use to assess the level of its achievement of the outcome during 2004-05. It comprises two parts:

(A) overall achievement - performance information for the effectiveness of the outcome overall; and

(B) performance information for Outputs - quantitative, qualitative and, price for each output.

Table 2.2 - Performance Information for the Outcome
*(A) Effectiveness - Overall Achievement of the Outcome*
Satisfaction of present and future needs for continuous reliable data on Australian weather and climate	The extent to which: the density, representativeness, accuracy, homogeneity, continuity and reliability of the national meteorological observation network are sufficient to: meet essential future national and international needs for Australian climate data; and provide the basis for routine nationwide weather watch and numerical prediction operations and provide a common foundation for the provision of basic and special weather services; the meteorological data from the observational network are transmitted to the National Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Centre (NMOC) and Regional Forecasting Centres (RFCs) error-free and within cut-off times and meteorological information, forecasts and warnings are communicated promptly and accurately to users; the central and regional computer systems and computing advisory and consultative services meet the defined requirements of all Bureau programs and contribute to overall efficiency and productivity gains; and equipment installations satisfy the requirements of Bureau programs, are carried out within time and cost estimates and the performance and reliability of operational services are maximised.
Advancement of meteorological science and understanding of the mechanisms of Australian weather and climate	The extent to which: the Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre is recognised for the quality and extent of its contribution to national and international atmospheric science; progress is achieved in the characterisation and understanding of the processes which determine Australian weather and climate; progress is achieved on applied research problems addressed to the Bureau or which arise in the course of its operations; cost effective new applications and services emerge from Bureau research; Bureau research can be shown to have contributed to improvements in the quality of its operations and services; and the scientific health and morale of the Bureau are enhanced.
Enhanced community safety and well-being through preparation of meteorological products and information and the effective use of meteorological and related services by the general public and other major social and economic sectors	The extent to which: meteorological and related services contribute to minimising loss of life and property and community disruption from bushfires, tropical cyclones and severe storms; minimising economic and other costs of disaster preparedness; the safety, comfort, convenience and general welfare and economic benefit of the public and major community groups; the safety and efficiency of shipping, small craft and maritime industries; the safety, regularity and efficiency of air navigation; the efficiency and effectiveness of the Australian Defence Force; government and community planning; and the economy and efficiency of primary and secondary industry; forecasts, warnings, information and advice are accurate and timely; user needs (including the needs of specific users of special weather services on a cost recovery basis) are identified and satisfied and new services and products are developed as required; the public, major user groups and specialised users receive, understand and make optimum use of the services and express satisfaction with the services; the data stored in the National Climate Centre are appropriate in terms of types of parameters included; comply with relevant national and international guidelines in respect of density, frequency and length of period of observations stored; have been subject to appropriate quality control; are of acceptable quality; and are stored optimally in terms of security and accessibility; the NMOC provides reliable, timely analysis and forecast guidance products that impact positively on the quality of services; and the NMOC and the RFC provide, in combination, a sufficiently comprehensive and responsive nationwide and regional scale weather watch operation to detect and react immediately to the first evidence of developing dangerous weather and provide a foundation for the provision of routine basic and special weather services.
International cooperation and goodwill including the benefits of global meteorological cooperation under the Convention of the World Meteorological Organization and related international meteorological treaties and agreements	The extent to which: Australia meets agreed international requirements for data exchange; the NMOC in Melbourne provides the products and services prescribed for a World Meteorological Centre, two Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs) and a Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) Specialised Oceanographic Centre; and the Darwin RFC provides the products and services prescribed for a RSMC; Australia can use its standing in international meteorology to influence international developments to national advantage; participation in international activities can be shown to contribute to the effectiveness and efficiency of Bureau operations and services; and the contribution of Australian expertise and support improves the quality and performance of National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) in the South-West Pacific and South-East Asia.

*(B) Performance Information for Departmental Outputs*
OUTPUT GROUP 1.1 - METEOROLOGICAL AND RELATED DATA
	Quality	95% of scheduled regular surface, space-based and upper air (radiosonde and upper wind) observations received on time and within prescribed error limits. Field equipment outages not greater than 24 hours for essential equipment, 7 working days for operationally backed-up infrastructure, and 22 days for other field equipment. 90% of users surveyed are satisfied with the functional capacity and availability of mission critical communications system components. 90% of users surveyed are satisfied with the functional capacity and availability of mission critical computing system components.
	Quantity	Numbers of fully operational observing stations – 50 upper-air, 900 synoptic (including automatic weather), 7,500 rainfall, 12 drifting buoys, 100 voluntary observing ships, 745 river height, 60 weather watch radars, 15 satellite ground, 17 solar & terrestrial radiation; 5 total ozone; 2 ozone profile and 1 Baseline. 98 inter-office communications links operational, 910 automated data collection links operational and 12 international communications circuits operational.
	Price	$118.707m (Installation, operation and maintenance of operational observational data networks $86.177m;Operation and maintenance of telecommunications and information technology infrastructure $32.530m)
OUTPUT GROUP 1.2 - METEOROLOGICAL AND RELATED RESEARCH
	Quality	Bureau of Meteorology Research Centre (BMRC) scientists invited to serve on 65 external advisory committees etc. At least 15 invitations received to present papers at external conferences and workshops. The annual report and all workshop and contract project reports produced in good time. 5 system changes, developed by the BMRC, accepted for implementation by operational units (the National Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Centre and the National Climate Centre).
	Quantity	6 viable research groups focussed on priority research issues. 110 research publications including refereed journals, articles, book chapters, conference papers and miscellaneous reports, and missions. 75 external collaborative projects undertaken.
	Price	$9.107m (Resources committed to Pure Research $0.984m; Strategic Research $2.056m; Applied Research $6.067m)
OUTPUT GROUP 1.3 - METEOROLOGICAL AND RELATED SERVICES
	Quality	90% of users surveyed indicate that public weather forecasts and warnings are partly or completely accurate. 90% of users surveyed indicate that public weather forecasts and warnings are becoming more accurate or are maintaining current levels of accuracy. 90% of users surveyed indicate that they are ‘satisfied' or ‘very satisfied' with weather forecast, warning and information services. 90% of users surveyed indicate that weather forecasts, warnings and information services are received in time for them to make their decisions. 96% of regular observation entries into the national climate data base successfully completed within preset quality control standards. 85% of users surveyed are ‘satisfied' or ‘very satisfied' with climate data services. 85% of users surveyed are ‘satisfied' or ‘very satisfied' with consultative meteorological services. 85% of users surveyed are ‘satisfied' or ‘very satisfied' with hydrological data, information, advisory and flood warning services. 0.1% downtime for Internet access services. 90% of commercial contracts are completed on time. 90% of existing clients renew commercial contracts. 95% of numerical guidance products are delivered before the scheduled deadlines for dissemination. 90% of users surveyed are satisfied with the value of forecast guidance product components. Accuracy of centralised analysis and forecast guidance products as measured by statistical evaluation procedures: S1 skill score of 30 points less than persistence in 24-hour predictions over the Australian region; annual average root mean square [rms] error in the 24-hour statistical guidance for maximum temperature of 3 degrees (2.5 degrees for minimum temperature) averaged over all States; anomaly correlations for 72,120 and 168 hour sea level pressure predictions for 20 to 60° S from the global prediction system of 75%, 55% and 40% respectively; and annual average rms error of 0.7m in the 24-hour sea state predictions averaged over all available Australian instrumental wave observations.
	Quantity	15,000 to 20,000 public weather warnings issued. 400,000 to 450,000 public weather forecast and information bulletins issued. 430,000 climate data, information, monitoring, prediction and advisory services provided. 600,000 hydrological data, information, advisory and flood warning services issued. 7,500 consultative services provided. 5 to 7 million accesses by telephone/facsimile and 1.5 to 2.0 billion accesses by the Internet for automated weather service delivery systems. 1.4 million telephone, facsimile and Internet accesses to automated climate service delivery systems. 400,000 Internet accesses to automated hydrological service delivery systems. 7 Regional Forecasting Centres, 28 AIFS (Australian Integrated Forecast System) equipped offices, 2,400 numerical guidance products issued by the National Meteorological and Oceanographic Operations Centre (NMOC) with 10 systems providing distinctive guidance products. 5% growth in revenues of the Special Services Unit (SSU) and reduce overheads by at least 10% over the previous year.
	Price	$74.896m (Analysis and Prediction Products $6.055m Severe Weather Warning Services $5.016m Public Weather Services $13.769m Marine Weather Services $1.412m Aviation Weather Services $15.052m Defence Weather Services $3.361m Special Weather Services $3.965m Climate Data Service $4.577m Climate Monitoring Service $2.949m Meteorological Advisory Service $0.165m Special Investigation $7.421m Flood Warning Service $4.749m Hydrometeorological Advisory Service $1.176m High Seas Oceanographic Services $0.027m Coastal Oceanographic Services $0.071m Maintenance of Climate Data Bank $4.598m Water Resources Assessment activities $0.533m)
OUTPUT GROUP - 1.4 INTERNATIONAL METEOROLOGICAL ACTIVITIES
	Quality	Australian influence is exercised through occupancy of important senior positions in the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). The value achieved from scientific exchange visits and cooperative projects undertaken with other countries is maintained. The flow of accurate observational data to Australia is increased through provision of technical assistance and meteorological training to the National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) of developing countries. 100% of the formal obligations of roles for the Melbourne World Meteorological Centre (WMC) and the Melbourne and Darwin Regional Specialised Meteorological Centres (RSMCs), as designated by the WMO, are fulfilled. A high level of demand for Australian officers to participate in WMO activities is maintained. A high level of satisfaction of regional developing NMHSs with Australian technical cooperation is maintained.
	Quantity	Australia is represented in all WMO constituent bodies (viz. Congress, Executive Council, Regional Association V, all Technical Commissions). Three or more major international meteorological meetings are hosted in Australia. Active bilateral cooperative programs are maintained with the eight countries (China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Japan, Republic of Korea, Russian Federation, Vietnam) with which a Memorandum of Understanding or treaty has been signed. All AusAID projects offering capacity building by the Bureau especially its Training Centre in Melbourne to help develop meteorology in developing countries are supported. WMC Melbourne, RSMCs Melbourne and Darwin and the Joint Technical Commission for Oceanography and Marine Meteorology (JCOMM) Specialised Oceanographic Centre, Melbourne, are maintained.
	Price	$2.574m ($1.169m to meet Australia's assessed contribution to the WMO regular budget in 2004-05; participation in the scientific and technical programs of the WMO and related international exchange activities $1.305m; and Bureau participation in the WMO Voluntary Cooperation Programme and bilateral technical cooperation activities $0.100m)

PERFORMANCE INFORMATION

Achievement of planned performance will be reported in the Bureau of Meteorology's 2004-05 Annual Report

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