When the flight service units were removed it is said that there was a marked reduction in the accuracy of weather reports, with attendant necessity to carry additional fuel to cover exigencies. And Mildura used to have a FSU.
MIldura had better than that during this event, a person actually trained in the weather:
Originally Posted by Page 18 of the report
...In response the forecaster contacted the BoM observer located at Mildura Airport.