Options on how to deliver ABC and commercial radio to the towns of Walpole and Northcliffe will be assessed through a South West Development Commission and Shire of Manjimup study.

The $7,000 study responds to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications, Transport and the Arts inquiry, which met in Walpole last year to discuss the adequacy of regional radio services.

The inquiry heard evidence of poor radio reception in Walpole and the need for public radio broadcasting services, particularly in emergencies. SWDC Project Officer - Infrastructure, Ashley Clements, said the joint initiative will provide options on how radio can be broadcast to these communities.

"This project is about looking for ways in which an identified gap in telecommunications infrastructure can be filled to provide an essential service, which is often taken for granted," Mr Clements said.

"The Commission has employed Broadcast Engineering Services to undertake the study. "Through onsite testing of signal strength and site identification, the consultant will provide options on how to broadcast radio to Walpole and Northcliffe and detail the technical requirements and associated costs involved," he said. Manjimup Shire Council CEO, Vern McKay said providing radio services in the townships would fill an obvious gap.

"It has become very clear that the people of Walpole and Northcliffe are disadvantage by not being able to receive radio reception in their towns. "This study will provide the essential link needed to delivering a radio service," he said.

At the completion of the project the best options will be reviewed in terms of content and cost. Once an option is determined further funding would then be required to purchase and install equipment to deliver radio services. "We are hoping that the extension of television black spot funding to radio can be used to fund the infrastructure required to implement the project," Mr McKay said.

The South West Development Commission and Shire of Manjimup successfully applied for a Department of Industry and Technology Information and Communications Services Development Scheme grant of $3,000 to undertake the study.

The grant was supported by a further contribution of $2,000 each, from the Shire of Manjimup and SWDC. The study is expected to take three to four weeks to complete.

For more information: Phone the SWDC Media Contact: on 9792 2000; 0417 174 456

Source: South West Delevlopment Commission Web site as of 16 March 02
http://www.swdc.wa.gov.au
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