ACMA has made spectrum available for a range of new community radio stations this month.

The new Port Augusta licence will shortly be advertised for interested applicants to apply for an FM frequency in the Spencer Gulf North radio licence area plan.

ACMA received “a considerable response” from the Port Augusta community and believes that the “economic and efficient use of the spectrum and the objects of the Broadcasting Services Act are likely to be best promoted by making channel capacity available for a long-term community radio service in Port Augusta.”

Goolwa in South Australia is also being considered for a new community frequency to be allocated.

ACMA is seeking public comment on a proposal to make a frequency available for a long-term community radio broadcasting service in. The proposal is contained in a draft variation to the licence area plan for Murray Bridge radio.

Two aspirant community radio groups are active in Goolwa and currently operate on temporary community broadcasting licences, alternating on the one frequency.

The draft variation also includes a proposal to change the frequency of community radio service, 5EFM in Yankalilla and to change the antenna height of the community radio service 5GSFM in Victor Harbor.