Yeah an MBA will be deployed when it is safe to do so
Been sent some internal photos of the BA site that we aren’t allowed to share with the general public, and the damage to the site both internally and externally and it is not a good, lots of damage and is going to take quite a while to rectify I reckon
I can’t imagine based on the photos there is a lot salvageable
I’d imagine it would mainly be the antennas on the tower which can be salvaged, but even then not all of them, and not the feeders to them. There’s also going to be asbestos at the site which will delay other works starting.
Been advised the BA site mainly only suffered damage to the Genset hut which will need to be rebuilt, also lower parts of the feeders are severely damaged
Indara/Axicom site is a complete loss
North QLD mornings presenter Susan Graham-Ryan now taking over coverage, also from the Townsville studios.
North QLD drive presenter Adam Stephen will then be taking over coverage later today from the Cairns studios.
Was just mentioned on the NC that normal frequencies in Bendigo are back online.
That’s amazing work to get 91.1 back on air.
Yeah its from the roof of their studios, I believe, and at very low power.
Seems like this is no longer going to happen - after Susan’s shift and the 2pm bulletin, Glen Dinsdale did a brief update before handing over to Grandstand.
Yes, and a very weak signal but it’s something.
Hearing also that the guy wires on the towers have been compromised. It may mean a significant rebuild. Part of me wonders if they might consolidate everything onto the BA tower.
An ABC spokesperson confirmed to Mumbrella that the BA’s Mount Alexander transmission site in Central Victoria “has been significantly damaged by fire and remains off air”.
“It is expected to take some time for services to be fully restored. ABC transmission partner BAI is working to restore services as soon as it can and we will keep people advised as this work progresses.”
Local community station KLFM, which is the official emergency broadcast station for the region, remained on air thanks to a backup transmitter at its studio.
An SCA spokesperson told Mumbrella: “Local Hit and Triple M broadcasts in Bendigo have been disrupted due to a bushfire that damaged transmission infrastructure in the area.
“The fire has affected all radio services and networks across the region. Temporary transmission facilities are being installed while repairs continue. Triple M is expected to return to air tomorrow, with Hit to follow as soon as possible.
“Listeners can continue to access local Hit and Triple M shows, along with important information about the impact of fires in the area, via the LiSTNR app.”
ABC Central Vic on 91.1 FM is on a much higher-powered transmitter today. Signal strength is decent. I’m wondering if they’ve deployed a MBA on Mt Alexander itself? Maybe Mt Herbert/Big Hill?
SCA/BAI have managed to get Triple M Bendigo back on air - temporary set up but still managing to get out well to the south, could pick it up in around Kyneton.
RDS and stereo pilot present too, a treat for the anoraks.
Triple M mentioned they’ve put up a temporary tower and TX with generator. Sounds like it’s on Mt Alexander.
Hit FM (91.9) might be up and running tomorrow too.
Just never say, even if true. Was hoping never to see such a disrespectful contributor return. Many have reduced their contributions and browsing as a result and then the entire conversation suffers.
A shame, any day without grandstand is a good day.
Sad. I’m sure that fire hose didn’t get any use.
ACMA database is now showing an alternate location for 91.9 as a Water Tower in Spring Gully.
Nothing listed on the 93.5 licence, but you’d have to assume they’re at the same site. Maybe the ACMA hasn’t fully updated yet.
