It comes after residents in Griffith and surrounding districts complained of impacts last week.
After an investigation, the Ricegrowers’ Association (RGA) learned that the weather forecast for the mixing height - one of the key checks rice growers are advised to undertake before burning - mistakenly indicated appropriate conditions for burning in the app.
“The Bureau of Meteorology’s MetEye mixing height forecast indicated a mixing height of 2000-3000m, well above the recommended minimum limit of 1500m,” an RGA statement said.
“The bureau's recommendation is based on modelled data and clearly did not represent the unusual weather conditions experienced (Tuesday) afternoon in the region.
“The RGA and rice growers want to act responsibly and avoid smoke impacts from burning, and are very concerned about the burning and its impacts on air quality and the community.
“The rice industry is reviewing (Tuesday’s) weather conditions, weather data, and all stubble-burning activities, with the aim of improving the recommendations provided to rice growers.
“In addition, we are pursuing upgrades to the Stubble Burning App.
“We currently recommend rice growers use MetEye while we rectify some glitches in the app.”
Growers also have access to an RGA and Rice Extension prepared video titled ‘Burning Rice Stubble: The Correct Way’ on YouTube.
