Upper Lachlan Shire Council and RBAH (Regional Broadcasters Australia Holdings Pty Ltd) have thanked the Federal Government and Member for Hume Angus Taylor for the commitment to finding a solution for Crookwell’s TV reception problems.

Mr Taylor joined Council and RBAH representatives on Friday at Wades Hill at Crookwell where retransmission equipment, funded by the Federal Government, will be installed in the new year.

Mr Taylor said funding agreements had been signed by the Federal Government, Upper Lachlan Shire Council and RBAH to deliver SBS, Southern Cross, Prime 7 and WIN free to air services.

“There was recognition from the Federal Government a problem had to be solved and a lot of people have worked together to get this across the line. I am delighted for Crookwell. I understand equipment has been ordered and will be installed on Wades Hill tower in the new year - then it will be all systems go,” Mr Taylor said.

RBAH Chair Shirley Brown thanked Angus for his hard work. “We want to acknowledge what Angus has done for Crookwell. This is a very good result for the community.”

Ms Brown said Crookwell residents would receive the new services from Canberra, via the broadcaster’s Mt Gray, Goulburn transmission tower to the Wades Hill, Crookwell re-transmission site.

“Having recently signed the funding deed, RBAH has completed ordering the hardware for Wades Hill. The site already broadcasts the ABC service.”

Upon installation of the retransmission equipment, Upper Lachlan Shire Council will provide all future financial contributions as part of its budget to cover ongoing costs and maintenance of the TV transmitter system. Upper Lachlan Mayor John Shaw said Council would keep the community closely informed about how to access the new TV services.

“Council is very grateful to Angus and the Federal Government for funding the retransmission service. Council and RBAH will be communicating regularly with residents to ensure they are kept informed of the progress of the TV reception upgrade process and how they can access the improved service when available,” said Mayor Shaw.