BAI Communications (BAI) – a broadcast and telecommunications service provider is investing in a new mast to deliver ABC Local Radio to the Townsville area.
The existing mast, owned and operated by BAI, was built in 1959 and stands at 198m tall. As part of BAI’s commitment to proactive network reinvestment, it will be replaced with a new 236m guyed mast, making it the tallest structure in the BAI network.
The new mast is engineered to withstand stronger cyclonic winds than the current mast, therefore it will be more resilient against extreme weather events.
BAI will begin the process of replacing the existing mast on 21 July 2020. The project is expected to run for three-and-a-half months, with completion scheduled for 30 October 2020, subject to weather.
For more information email: community@brandonmastproject.com.au or visit: www.abc.net.au/northqld or @abcnorthqld
The existing mast was built in 1959 and stands at 198m tall. As part of BAI Communications’ commitment to proactive network reinvestment, it will be replaced with a new 236m guyed mast designed to be more resilient against challenging weather conditions such as tropical cyclones. Replacement of the mast ensures longer term continuity and increased reliability of the ABC Local Radio service in this region.
By completing the construction between July and October, weather impacts on the construction schedule can be minimised, and the mast will be complete in time to provide full coverage through the upcoming cyclone season
The dismantling of the current Brandon MF mast will begin on 21 July and the rebuilding of the new mast will start in late August 2020. The work is scheduled to be completed by early November.
The Brandon service covers the Townsville region and its surrounds; north to the Cairns Region south to the Whitsunday Coast and Mackay and west to Charters Towers.
The ABC Local AM service operating at 50kW covers a population of approximately 600,000 potential listeners.
Listeners in the Kennedy Highway Corridor will have no reception from 9 September to 21 September and listeners in the Gregory Highway Corridors will have no reception from 12 September to 16 September.
Around 90 per cent of current listeners to ABC North Qld will still be able to tune into the station on 630AM although some listeners might experience some audio quality reduction.
No. This work only affects the ABC’s 630 AM signal for its ABC North Queensland service. ABC Classic, RN, triple j and ABC NewsRadio will not be affected.
There are a number of alternative ways in which you can continue to listen to ABC North Qld.
For more information and updates visit:
www.abc.net.au/northqld
Facebook: @abcnorthqld
BAI Communications and ABC, will ensure all listeners covered by the tower will be able to receive emergency broadcasting in the event of an emergency by returning the stand-by tower to full strength.
Brandon MF was built in 1959, providing ABC Local Radio services to the Townsville area.
Brandon MF currently stands at 198m tall.
Brandon MF covers a population of approximately 600,000 potential listeners.
The existing main mast will be replaced with a new 236m guyed mast.