Broadcasters are expecting Willoughby City Council to make its long-awaited decision on the development application for changes to the DRB test broadcast mast at the next council meeting on Monday August 11.

If the decision is favourable, it will mean broadcasters can move to the next step in the ongoing Digital Radio trials.

CRA, which is leading the trials, is seeking to replace an existing FM antenna on Willoughby Tower with a
digital antenna to allow the infrastructure for the trials to be completed.

The Development Applications has been lodged with Council since October 2002.

Following extended
consultation and lobbying, the matter came before a council meeting this week, but debate was deferred to the next meeting “due to the lateness of the hour.”

The trials will allow Australians listeners to experience digital radio and
allow the industry to assess the digital product and best technology for the
Australian market.