YANAKIE Automatic Weather station is set to be decommissioned from Tuesday, July 1, 2025. Locals are concerned with one resident posing the question to the Sentinel-Times for the Monash candidates, highlighting that sailors, kayakers and boaties around Corner Inlet rely on the station. Here’s what the candidates had to say:
Alex Wehbe, Trumpet of Patriots
“The impending closure of YAWS on July 1st is deeply concerning. Reliable, local weather data is crucial for our farmers, emergency services, tourists and the broader community, especially in an era of increasing climate unpredictability. Eliminating this service poses a significant risk to lives by restricting access to accurate and timely information that enables people to make critical decisions.
“I firmly believe that regional communities deserve the same level of support and infrastructure as urban areas. Therefore, I oppose the closure and will advocate for retaining the station or installing an upgraded system to ensure uninterrupted coverage.”
Tully Fletcher, Labor
“I know how variable and localised weather can be around the Prom, and I know how welcome the new Yanakie Automated Weather Station was for farmers, boat users, and the CFA when it was installed.
“We needed it then, and we need it now. I’m not sure how this decision has been made but it should be unmade. Appropriate consultation clearly hasn’t taken place and from my point of view, if a CFA captain tells government that a weather station is essential to their operations and crew safety, that should be the end of the debate.
“If I’m elected to represent Monash in Canberra on Saturday, I’ll raise this with the new Minister responsible for the Bureau of Meteorology as soon as they’re sworn in, and work with South Gippsland Shire and the community to find the best way to keep the Yanakie Automated Weather Station running.”
Deb Leonard, Independent
"The community relies on the Yanakie Weather Station, especially for fishing, it's considered one of the best fishing spots in the area – also a recreational hub for those who go out on boats or kayaks. Yanakie and surrounds are also made up of farming communities that rely on accurate weather forecasts.
"I'm concerned about the proposed closure and want to consult further to ensure the continued safety of those who depend on this station."
Russell Broadbemt, Independent
"The Yanakie weather station is crucial for the local community, including farmers and the tourism industry, as it serves many purposes.
"For example, fire brigades rely heavily on the accuracy of the weather information, particularly during a fire. The tourism industry relies on that weather station because people make decisions according to the weather. Even kayakers use the station as a beacon point for navigation. There’s lots of reasons for it to remain.
"As soon as this is election is over and, given the opportunity, I’ll be contacting the Minister for the Environment and Water, Tanya Plibersek MP, and asking for reasons behind the closure. I’ll be seeing if we can overturn any decision. In the meantime, I encourage members of the community to get in contact with me to discuss their concerns."
