The ABA has allocated two new community radio licences for Nambour to SDA Radio Association Inc (FM104.9) and Sunshine Coast Christian Broadcasters Association Inc (FM106.5).

The ABA received four applications for the Nambour licences. The applicants were SDA Radio Incorporated (Sunshine FM), Sunshine Coast Christian Broadcasters Association Inc (Rhema FM), Caloundra Community Radio Incorporated (Beach FM) and Maleny Community Radio Incorporated (Hinterland FM).

Commenting on the decision ABA Chairman David Flint said: “Sunshine FM has demonstrated that it is committed to providing the mature age service it currently provides, and continuing its current program of expansion of the focus of the service to include a variety of community interests in its programming. Rhema has demonstrated that it is dedicated to providing a Christian service to the Nambour community.”

Two community licences for Nambour were made available following completion of the Nambour radio licence area plan in December 2000. The ABA has allocated these licences after community consultation during the licence area planning process and during the allocation process.