The Australian Broadcasting Authority has allocated two new community radio licences in Victoria; one in Warragul to West Gippsland Community Radio Inc (3BBR) and the second in Horsham to Horsham and District Community FM Radio (3HHH).

The Warragul service will broadcast on FM 103.1 and the Horsham service will broadcast on FM 96.5. Both 3BBR and 3HHH are currently broadcasting on the respective frequencies under temporary community broadcasting licences that expire on 31 August 2003. Both permanent community radio broadcasting licences will begin the next day.

ABA Chair David Flint says: “The proposed services will add to the range and diversity of services in the Warragul and Horsham areas. The applicants satisfied the ABA that they would meet the existing and perceived future needs of the community in their respective licence areas.”

3BBR was the only applicant for the Warragul licence and 3HHH was the only applicant for the Horsham licence. Their applications were assessed with particular regard to whether the proposed services would meet the existing and perceived future needs of the general community in the Warragul and Horsham areas.

. The proposed services will provide programs that will cover a wide range of local issues that will appeal to the general communities in Warragul and Horsham.