The deadline has passed for submissions on plans to make FM channel capacity available for community radio service, 2CUZ Bourke.

The move will cover Goodooga, Lightning Ridge, Walgett and Weilmoringle, which are all within the licence area, and remove channel capacity for an unallocated open narrowcasting service at Walgett.

The proposed changes for 2CUZ will have no impact on listeners, as the owner has applied successfully for licences to retransmit to the four additional locations, ahead of a formal change to the licence area plan.

The proposals are contained in an explanatory paper and draft variation to the Bourke radio licence area plan. The paper also seeks submissions on a request from the owner of 2WEB Bourke to extend its licence area to include Cunnamulla and Cobar.

Lyn Maddock, Acting head of the ABA, says: “following representations from 2WEB that Cunnamulla does not have sufficient radio services relating to the township, we are seeking comments on the request. In the case of Cobar, there is already a wide purpose community radio service.

“Before reaching a final decision, the ABA was interested in receiving comments on the Bourke draft variation.”