Local Radio Strengthened with Over 130 Emergency Resilience Projects
Image Credit: Elijah Merrell
Media Release: The Hon Anika Wells MP, Minister for Communications, Minister for Sport
The Australian Government has completed 131 broadcasting resilience projects across Australia to ensure local radio services remain operational during emergencies. Delivered through the $20 million Broadcasting Resilience Program (BRP), these upgrades are helping communities stay connected, safe, and informed when it matters most.
The program has upgraded 98 ABC AM and FM broadcast sites, improving their ability to withstand power outages and severe weather events. In addition, 48 sites received emergency power upgrades, which have already provided over 1,200 hours of backup power during critical incidents.
Five mobile broadcasting assets were also deployed under the BRP. These units can be rapidly dispatched to areas where transmission has failed, restoring local radio services and offering mobile charging capabilities. One such deployment occurred in June on Dunk Island, Queensland, where a power cable cut caused widespread outages. A mobile unit from Mount Bellenden Ker was sent to the island and restored services within 24 hours.
The BRP has proven effective during recent emergencies, including floods in Tasmania, storms in Wilcannia (NSW), and bushfires in Dimbulah (QLD).
Delivered by BAI Communications, the BRP is part of the Government’s $1.1 billion Better Connectivity Plan for Regional and Rural Australia. This broader initiative includes $400 million to improve mobile coverage and enhance the resilience of communications infrastructure nationwide.
