ABC Radio and Southern Cross Austereo stations went off air last Friday as a result of bush fire damage to the BAI regional Victoria transmission site at Mount Alexander in the heart of the fire zone.

The BAI Communications Australia transmission site in Central Victoria was significantly damaged by fire and remains off air. The site normally provides radio and TV services to communities around Bendigo, Castlemaine and nearby towns. Alternative arrangements have been made to deliver local programming where possible.

Community station Phoenix FM and Vision Australia Radio (Bendigo) agreed to rebroadcast ABC Local Radio’s emergency coverage for the past three days. When we contacted Phoenix FM, presenter Craig Whun told radioinfo that ABC programs were broadcast on Phoenix FM from Friday morning until Sunday midnight. “Our station was pleased to be able to help, our transmitter is on Specimen Hill Bendigo, so was not affected by the Mount Alexander outage.” Craig presents Monday Mayhem with Robyn Symonds and was on air today now that normal community programming has resumed on Phoenix FM.

Phoenix FM President Samual Harrison says: “Community safety is the absolute priority during these emergencies With the Mount Alexander transmitter down, we are working to ensure our listeners know exactly where to turn for official ABC emergency coverage. We also commend Vision Australia Radio for stepping in to provide this vital link to the community. Please check on your neighbours to ensure they have re-tuned their radios.”

ABC Emergency Broadcasting continues for the Bendigo region. An ABC spokesperson told radioinfo: “It is expected to take some time for services to be fully restored. ABC transmission partner BAI is working to restore services as soon as it can and we will keep people advised as this work progresses.

“For people in the immediate Bendigo area, ABC Local Radio Central Victoria is back on air on 91.1 FM. Listeners outside Bendigo can stay informed by tuning to ABC Wimmera on 594 AM. They can also listen to radio services on the ABC Listen app and watch TV via ABC iview where internet is available.”

SCA stations Hit 91.1 and Triple M 93.5 lost their FM broadcast transmissions, but continued online through RadioApp and the LiSTNR App, however mobile phone and internet services have also been severely disrupted in the fire affected areas. Both stations have been live and local throughout the weekend, providing local news, emergency updates and ongoing information about local conditions. Triple M’s normal breakfast presenter is expected to be back on air early from tomorrow to strengthen the local team’s output.

An SCA spokesperson told radioinfo:

“Local Hit and Triple M broadcasts in Bendigo have been disrupted due to a bushfire that damaged transmission infrastructure in the area. The fire has affected all radio services and networks across the region. Temporary transmission facilities are being installed while repairs continue.

“Triple M is now back on air with Hit to follow as soon as possible. Listeners can continue to access local Hit and Triple M shows, along with important information about the impact of fires in the area, via the LiSTNR app.”

_{Photo credit: Mount Alexander, by Melburnian, Wikipedia}