NSW North Coast Hit by Harsh Weather

16 Jun 2009

Despite the recent floods that ravaged the NSW North Coast area in May, the clever design of two Broadcast Australia sites, Smithtown and Mt Moombil, meant transmission to local residents continued.

Residents of the North Coast were heavily affected by what Premier Nathan Rees declared as a natural disaster. Means of communication were limited, intensifying the importance of ABC radio transmissions for the provision of regular updates to the local community.

Whilst two of Broadcast Australia's transmission sites were isolated in this incident, both have been designed in a way that accommodates flooding. For example the Smithtown site, which at the time of publication is still surrounded by water, has its main building positioned on stilts and the antenna on an elevated platform, allowing services to continue.

Even with access roads to the sites closed, the continuation of transmission was possible due to the innovative approach Broadcast Australia takes to the design of its sites. The consideration of the importance of being able to communicate to the public during such events is significant, with Broadcast Australia in this instance ensuring the provision of vital communication services to the flood affected areas.