The ABA is proposing to make channel capacity available for new and improved services in the Cairns and Wagga Wagga areas.

This follows consideration of requests from existing licensees to resolve reception deficiencies and from parties interested in establishing services in the region.

In far north Queensland, the Authority is proposing to make FM channel capacity available for 4CCA at Redlynch Valley and Little Mulgrave, the ABC in Cairns and Cairns North for future radio services, a new community service in Cairns and a new high power open narrowcasting radio service in Port Douglas.

Acting ABA chief, Lyn Maddock, says: “This is part of the ABA’s ongoing commitment to reserve channel capacity for the possible future provision of the full range of ABC radio services to communities or regional transmission areas with a population of 10 000 people or more.

In southern NSW, the ABA is proposing to make FM channel capacity available for transmitters for 2WG (at Gundagai) and 2WZD (Tumut ). It is also looking to increase the power of the service provided by Montreal Community Theatre Inc, which holds a temporary community radio licence at Tumut, and – following an expression of interest from 2KY – the Authority is planning to make a frequency available for a high power open narrowcasting service at Wagga Wagga. And, after a request from the ABC, the ABA is examining channel capacity for an additional high power national service in Wagga.

Also under consideration is provision of channel capacity available for an open narrowcasting radio service in Perisher. The service would operate on FM 94.3 MHz, with a coverage radius of 20 kilometres. The proposal is contained in draft variation to the Cooma licence area plan.

Extra FM channel capacity is planned and granted by the ABA under the Commercial Radio Blackspots Program, which provides $5 million over three years to deliver new or improved commercial radio services to regional and remote communities.

All proposals are contained in draft variation radio licence area plans, which are available from the ABA website (see link below) or by calling freecall 1 800 810 241. Those wishing to comment should do so by Friday 20 August.