The Community Broadcasting Association of Australia (CBAA) has welcomed the announcement by Shadow Minister for the Arts, Mr Peter Garrett MP, of $2.4 million in funding for the Australian Music Radio Airplay Project (AMRAP).

Mr Garrett launched the policy on Sydney's FBi stating "I could see that [continued funding for AMRAP] would be a great boon to Aussie music and to young songwriters and bands, and it seemed really dumb for the funding to just end, so we're going to keep it going."

Amrap is a unique initiative that promotes Australian music through the community radio sector. It has distributed over 100 000 CDs by Australian artists and has become an essential tool for local musicians to connect with national audiences.

Project Coordinator Nicole Craig says, "Amrap has received overwhelming support from Australian artists, community broadcasters and the music industry. It ensures that stations have regular access to new music and content, especially those in regional and remote areas. It’s fantastic that the ALP is now also recognising the value of this project.”

Amrap began in 2000 with $1.5 million in Federal Government funding that was expected to sustain the project over three years. Through prudent management, limited auxiliary funding, and a firm commitment to the project, the CBAA has extended the life of Amrap.

The project currently operates in a limited capacity and without additional funding will wind to a close by the end of the year – making this funding commitment crucial.

“There’s some great plans for further development of the project including use of new media technologies plus online expansion” Says Craig. “Obviously it relies on the funding being available to make it possible. So we’re very excited about the ALP’s commitment, but we’re encouraging all sides of politics to commit to the ongoing success of Amrap.”

To hear a podcast of Stephen Ferris' interview with Peter Garrett, go to www.fbiradio.com. Or you can hear an interview with AMRAP's Nicole Craig and Peter Garret from the Wire, originally broadcast on the 19th September.