Minister for Communications Mitch Fifield joined Member for Hume Angus Taylor to officially switch on the Crookwell TV transmitter on Friday (26 February).

Joined by Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor John Shaw, General Manager John Bell, Regional Broadcasting Australia Holdings (RBAH) Chair Shirley Brown and other stakeholders, Minister Fifield said the Commonwealth Government provided more than $300,000 in funding for the tower.

“Angus Taylor has worked hard to advocate and deliver a solution for his community, and I am pleased to be here today to officially switch on the TV transmitter with Angus and the RBAH, council and the community who worked together to see this happen,” Minister Fifield said.

Mr Taylor said his office had been in regular contact with local antenna installers since the transmitter switch on.

“The word is that most people are very happy. A lot of comments on how clear the reception is, which is just great, and residents up to 20km away in some of the elevated spots outside Crookwell town are also benefitting,” Mr Taylor said.

Upper Lachlan Shire Mayor John Shaw welcomed both Minister Fifield’s visit to Crookwell and the upgrade to the transmitter.

“For years, Crookwell’s residents have been unable to access local television services, and I know many of them are quite excited about being able to see local content and news,” Cr Shaw said.

“I’d like to thank Minister Fifield and Angus for their funding and support with this upgrade. 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.”

Caption: The official switch on of the new TV transmitter at Crookwell by Communications Minister Mitch Fifield.