Since going live in July 2025, Mansfield Shire Council’s weather station at Mansfield has provided valuable local weather data and forecasts, with real-time data available on council's website.
"Council and local producers benefit from the hyper-local weather service, allowing for better informed planning and operational decisions," said Mayor Cr Steve Rabie.
Cr Rabie said council staff monitoring the station have noticed significant differences between the data taken from the Mansfield station and the closest Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) measurements taken at the Eildon Fire Tower, which is at a slightly different altitude.
"For example, at 6am on 12 August, the Eildon Fire Tower recorded a temperature of 5.7°C while the Mansfield station showed -0.9°C," Cr Rabie said.
"Later that day, the peak temperature observed at the Eildon Fire Tower was 11.1°C, while the Mansfield station recorded 15°C.
“The accurate, hyper-local forecasts provided by council’s station are critical for predicting frost and other conditions and managing operations.
"Council’s field services team benefits from more accurate rain data, allowing them to better plan garden or road maintenance at optimal times.
"Knowing the exact temperature and rainfall on the ground in Mansfield, rather than 30 kilometres away, is incredibly valuable for all community members.
"It’s valuable for agriculture, events and many activities – even aviators are using it to ensure they get the best possible understanding of the conditions,” said the councillor, a keen pilot himself.
