CBAA in Canberra championing the need for increased support for stations

The CBAA recently visited Parliament House in Canberra to discuss the vital role community radio plays in times of emergencies and disasters. The sector continues to receive very strong support across party lines, with many Ministers, Senators and MPs experiencing community radio’s vital role communicating emergency information, connecting individuals and building resilience first hand during this summer’s recent bushfire crisis.

We are continuing to call for an increase in funding available to stations through the Community Broadcasting Foundation’s Development and Operations funding pool, particularly to ensure that stations are able to access funds to upgrade and replace ageing infrastructure. This will ensure stations are resilient and have the strong operations they need to serve their communities in all situations – particularly in trying times like emergencies.

Thanks to the support shown from the offices of Minister Mark Coulton, Anika Wells MP, Shadow Minister Michelle Rowland, Minister Darren Chester, Dr Helen Haines MP, Senator Perin Davey, Senator Gerard Rennick, Dr Mike Kelly MP, Assistant Minister Zed Seselja, Senator Tim Ayres and the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications.

We also had the pleasure to catch up with Valley FM in the Tuggeranong Valley (pictured) and the community radio sector’s Federal Political reporter Amanda Copp in the Press Gallery.