Greater reliability for ABC local radio in Victoria
The Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts, Senator Helen Coonan, today announced almost $300 000 in funding to help lessen disruptions to ABC Local Radio in Victoria during natural disasters or power failures.
The Minister made the announcement in Anakie, Victoria with the Member for Corangamite, Stewart McArthur. Anakie was affected by bushfires in January 2006.
The ABC’s Local Radio service offers its listeners a distinctive mix of news, views, current affairs, talkback, entertainment, sport, music, and rural issues.
With an estimated national penetration rate of more than 99 per cent, ABC Local Radio is often the only mobile source of vital weather and emergency service information for Australians living in rural, regional and remote Australia.
“In recognition of the important role played by ABC Local Radio, the Australian Government is committing $297 696 for the ABC to install backup generators at its local radio transmission sites in Apollo Bay, Bright and Myrtleford,” Senator Coonan said.
“This will lessen disruption to local radio services during natural disasters or power outages.
Mr McArthur welcomed today’s announcement as a significant step forward in ensuring ABC Local Radio continues to act as a vital conduit for information to local communities during emergencies.
“The three sites across regional Victoria collectively provide ABC Local Radio to over 7700 people,” Mr McArthur said.
“The backup generators are due to be installed before the end of 2006 and will support all of the ABC’s existing and future planned services at these three sites.”
Today’s announcement builds on the Australian Government’s significant investment in the ABC. In this year’s Budget the Government announced more than $2.5 billion will be provided to the ABC over the next three years including $822.7 million this financial year.
On top of its base funding the ABC will receive an additional $88.2 million which includes $45 million to purchase new capital equipment; $30 million to establish an independent commissioning arm to invest in high quality drama and documentaries; and $13.2 million to increase funding for the ABC’s Regional and Local programming initiative.