The broadcasting abilities of much-loved Melbourne community radio station Triple R are under threat from a proposed residential tower, which may interfere with the station’s signal if it’s constructed.
In a submission to Moreland Council (Via Fairfax), Triple R station manager Dave Houchin has said the station has “serious concerns” over the six-storey development proposed for 122-124 Nicholson Street, East Brunswick, because it may lead to the station stopping its broadcast.
“We have concerns that locating residents closer to the radio tower on top of the Triple R building [could] hinder Triple R’s ongoing operations at our site,” Houchin said.
He suggested the height of the residential tower — which will hold 28 dwellings and a cafe — could disrupt Triple R’s signal, which comes from a 1.8 metre antenna which relays to a transmitter site in Dandenong.
“The antenna is aligned approximately parallel with Blyth Street to the east,” Houchin said. “Basically this means that it has quite a high gain but only over a fairly narrow angle. Its objective is to maximise the signal getting to the target-receive antenna some 35 kilometres away.”
Another concern for Houchin is for the welfare of residents, due to the station’s 20 metre radio mast, which currently remains at a safe distance from residents. “[The mast] is permitted because the closest residents are at a safe distance from the tower,” he said.
Moreland councillors passed a motion to approve a height restriction of four storeys on the development in December, but the developer has now taken the case to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT). The case will be heard in May.
