Solomon Islands’ weather forecasters have been told their work is important to save lives and properties.

Visiting Australia’s Governor General David Hurley made the reminder when he officially opened the new Solomon Islands National Weather Forecasting office in Honiara today.

Australia funded the building through the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

“The work you’ll be doing here is so important for all Solomon Islanders,” Hurley said. 

“Australia is well aware of the impact of natural disasters, and our last four years have been marked by bushfires, floods and cyclones,” he added.

“Having accurate and timely weather forecasting information and warning systems is critical for effectively preparing for, and recovering from, natural disasters. 

“I hope this facility will assist Solomon Islands Weather Services to provide quality advice and guidance to the people of the Solomon Islands, including through natural disasters.

“I hope this building will be a symbol of the longstanding relationship and friendship between our two peoples, our two governments and our two countries. 

“We are bound by geography, by our shared history, our values and our hopes for the future, and this is another brick in the whole creation of who we are, as two nations together.”

Hurley said the project will leave a lasting legacy for Solomon Islands. 

“It also supports the Solomon Islands Meteorological Services to do their important work delivering weather warnings and information about extreme weather events to thousands of visitors to Solomon Islands over the next two weeks for the Pacific Games.”

Hurley and his wife Linda Hurley were in Solomons to attend the official opening of the 17th Pacific Games, Sunday.

Today, he met Prime Minister Manasseh Sogavare during which they discussed the deep connections between our people and our shared love of sport. 

He also met Speaker of Parliament Patteson Oti, who is currently Acting Governor-General of Solomon Islands. 

They discussed Australia’s support for the Pacific Games, and the deep and enduring links between our two countries. 

Hurley and his wife also enjoyed watching Australian para-athletes competing in the 2023 International Table Tennis Federation (ITTF) Oceania Para Table Tennis Championships.

Solomon Islands is hosting this event alongside the 2023 Pacific Games. Australia’s 14-strong team played qualifier matches for the 2024 Paris Paralympics. 

And in a display of support and encouragement, the Governor-General and Mrs Hurley paid a visit to the Australian athletes residing at King George the Sixth National Secondary School (KGVI) for the Pacific Games. 

KGVI is a temporary home for athletes competing in the Pacific Games. 

Australia funded the refurbishment of 54 buildings across seven schools, including KGVI, to provide accommodation for Pacific Games athletes. 

All work was undertaken by local companies – with over 50 contractors and over 1,000 local labourers. 

The refurbished buildings will provide beds for around 2,100 athletes (at any one time) during the Games. 

Hurley leaves tomorrow back to Australia.