Gadigal Aboriginal Radio Corporation has been granted an extension of time to get its community radio service on air in Sydney.

The ABA has decided to grant Gadigal an extension of time until 31 December 2002 and has also given the station flexibility about its power output. Gadigal may broadcast at 1kW (which is below the required minimum power) until 30 May 2003, at which point it must then broadcast at full power.

The major obstacle preventing Gadigal from beginning its service and getting to full power is “associated with the installation of an antenna and transmitter.”

In order “to be kept fully informed on Gadigal’s progress,” the ABA has requested that Gadigal provide a written report at the end of every month until 30 May 2003. The report is to set out in detail the status of the equipment installation issue.

Gadigal was one of three community applicants to be granted a permanent community radio service in May 2001. The station was allocated FM 93.7 at 50kW. Other licences issued at that time were to Muslim Community Radio, which is now on air, and FBi, which has also recently been granted an extension to it on air date.