Coast digital ‘hope’

ERIN PEARSON
ANGLESEA and Airey’s Inlet could have digital television next year after Federal Government announced an investigation into a rollout to the towns, according to a spokesperson.
The office of Communications Minister Stephen Conroy told the Independent broadcasters were negotiating with Surf Coast Shire over the rollout.
The shire manages the area’s black-spot transmitter, which broadcasters must take over to change from analogue to digital.
The area can not have both signals but a switchover to digital was previously scheduled for the end of 2013, the spokesperson said.
“We’re in active negotiations with local broadcasters to bring the conversion date forward by 12 months to mid next year. The broadcasters are talking about taking it over from council but it all depends on council.
“It’s a big logistical exercise that the broadcasters are aware of and have acknowledged residents’ concerns, so we’re looking at it actively.”
Anglesea residents petitioned the Government for digital television earlier this year after discovering their town could be forced to fund its own upgrade.
Without funding they would have to pay more than $1000 for their own free-to-air satellites.
Petition leader and caravan park operator Justin Morris welcomed the new plans.
“This is a lot better than getting the upgrade at the end of 2013. Here at the caravan park we couldn’t afford to upgrade to satellite ourselves.
“Visitors can’t believe we don’t have digital already because many have travelled all over Australia to towns smaller than Anglesea and received digital television.”