Media Release
Senator the Hon Stephen Conroy
Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy
Deputy Leader of the Government in the Senate
Minister Assisting the Prime Minister on Digital Productivity
Budget 2009: Improved television transmission towers
Provision exists in the 200910 Budget for additional capped funding to improve digital television reception in outer metropolitan Adelaide, if required, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, said tonight.
"This additional funding will be available if required to supplement funds allocated in the 200809 Budget to address reception problems along the Para Escarpment, in the Ingle Farm to Craigmore area," Senator Conroy said.
"Television reception in this area has troubled some residents for a number of years.
"The Government has made provision in this Budget for limited additional funding as a contingency to ensure that the Government's election commitment on this is fully met."
Detailed technical assessments of reception in the area were undertaken and the findings will help determine the best solution to address digital television reception deficiencies identified in the area.
It is expected that a solution to improve digital television reception in the Para Escarpment area will be implemented by the end of 2009-10.
The Government's other two television service related election commitments are due for implementation in mid-2009.
These involve commissioning new digital television facilities for Broadford in Victoria and Currie on King Island. The latter facility will also transmit ABC Local Radio to the Currie area.
ends
Date: 12 May 2008
Contact: Tim Marshall 0408 258 457
