Communications Minister, Helen Coonan, has announced a new subsidy scheme to help regional communities establish ABC radio services in their local areas.

The Radio Self Help Subsidy Scheme will provide $1.5 million, allowing up to 50 communities in rural and regional Australia to set up their open self help retransmission facilities to access any of the ABC’s five radio services including Radio National and NewsRadio.

The Government will allocate $1.5 million, which will go towards installing transmitters.

Senator Coonan says a self help retransmission service requires the installation of a dedicated transmitter to deliver the ABC radio service to the community.

“This usually comprises receiving equipment to pick up the ABC radio service, either from a satellite or from a nearby ABC transmitter, together with a transmitter and antenna system to broadcast the service to the community.

“Subsidies from the Government of up to $30 000 for new transmission services or up to $15 000 to replace obsolete equipment at existing self help facilities will be available.

“There are currently more than 200 self help ABC radio retransmission services across Australia. These are owned and run by local community groups or councils in areas where ABC radio transmission is otherwise unavailable.

“Today’s announcement is part of the Government’s ongoing commitment to ensure all Australians have access to a wide range of quality media services, regardless of where they live.”

Information on the scheme guidelines and application forms are available from the link below or by calling the ABC’s Reception Advice Line on 1 300 139 994.