Ipswich and Logan commuters want local music in Clem 7 Tunnel

LATE NEWS: Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale has discussed this issue today with Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman with a view to resolving this issue as soon as possible.  Thank you Campbell - the picket fence remains down!



Ipswich and Logan City commuters are being forced to listen to Brisbane radio stations in the Clem 7 tunnel after Brisbane City Council stopped transmissions from two local radio stations.

Special transmitters in the tunnel boost the signals of all Brisbane stations but Ipswich's River 949 and Logan City's 101 FM are reduced to heavy static in the 4.8 km tunnel.

In the event of an incident in the tunnel, emergency radio messages are broadcast to vehicles in the tunnel on all local radio frequencies.

Ipswich Councillor Paul Tully has appealed to Brisbane Lord Mayor Campbell Newman to re transmit the Ipswich and Logan radio stations in the Clem 7.

"Why should Ipswich and Logan listeners be denied the opportunity of listening to their favourite radio station when they are paying for the privilege of using the tunnel."

Under federal law, any radio station within 50km of the GPO of a capital city has traditionally been regarded as a metropolitan station.

Cr Tully said not everyone wanted to listen to the dulcet tones of 4BC's Jamie Dunn or the elocution of the ABC's Spencer Howson in the mornings.

"I am calling on Campbell Newman to make the Clem 7 a better experience for out-of-town commuters with the country music of Logan City or the provincial sounds of Ipswich piped into the tunnel.

"If Family Radio and Triple ZZZ can get a guernsey in the Clem 7, Ipswich and Logan deserve the opportunity as well.

"Why should commuters be forced to switch stations just to drive through the Clem 7 tunnel," Cr Tully said.