The ABA has decided not to allocate a community radio licence in George Town, Tasmania at this time.

Applications for the licence were sought in September 2002. The sole applicant was Tamar FM Incorporated. Tamar FM proposed to serve the general community of the George Town licence area.

ABA Chairman David Flint said: “After giving careful consideration to the criteria laid down in the legislation and the information provided by the applicant, the ABA has decided in this case not to allocate the licence… The ABA finds that the applicant was not able to satisfy the ABA that it had the necessary financial, technical and management capacity to provide a broadcasting service that would adequately serve the George Town licence area. In addition, the applicant did not successfully demonstrate to the ABA that there was sufficient need and community interest within the licence area for its proposed service.”

At some time in the future the matter may be reconsidered and then the licence can be readvertised. During the intervening period the ABA suggested that the unsuccessful applicant apply for a temporary community broadcasting licence, which will provide it with an opportunity to increase the number of community members actively involved in provision of its service.

Until such time as the ABA reconsiders a permanent allocation, the channel set aside for this licence on FM 95.3 will continue to be made available for temporary community broadcasting.