Television Licence Area Plan (Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area) 2012

Television Licence Area Plan (Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area) 2012

made under subsection 26(1B) of the

Broadcasting Services Act 1992

Compilation No. 2

Compilation date:  6 August 2025

Includes amendments up to: F2025L01504

Prepared by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, Melbourne

About this compilation

This compilation

This is a compilation of the Television Licence Area Plan (Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area) 2012 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 6 August 2025 (the compilation date).

The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law.

Uncommenced amendments

The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au).

Application, saving and transitional provisions

If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes.

Modifications

If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. Any modifications affecting the law are accessible on the Register.

Self‑repealing provisions

If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes.

1.                              Name of Plan

  This Plan is the Television Licence Area Plan (Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area) 2012.

3 Definitions

  In this Plan:

ACMA means the Australian Communications and Media Authority.

Act means the Broadcasting Services Act 1992.

commercial television broadcasting licensee means the licensee of a commercial television broadcasting licence.

ERP means effective radiated power.

Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area means the area described in Attachment 1.

national television broadcasting service has the same meaning as in clause 2 of Schedule 4 to the Act.

television broadcasting service has the same meaning as in section 26 of the Act.

transmitter licence has the same meaning as in section 5 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Note     Terms and expressions used in this Plan have the meaning given by section 6 of the Act. For example:

 commercial television broadcasting licence.

• national broadcaster.

4 Specification of channels to be available in particular areas within the Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area

1.    Subject to subsection (2), each channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in a Schedule to this Plan is available, in the area in column 7, to provide television broadcasting services.
2.    If a date is specified in column 3 of an item in a table in a Schedule to this Plan, the channel specified in column 1 of the item is not available in the area in column 7 to provide television broadcasting services after that date.

Note 1 A channel may be specified to be available only for a limited period in order to allow a broadcaster to swap channels on which it transmits services.

Note 2 Although a channel is specified to be available for all parts of a licence area, a particular broadcaster may only be authorised to use that channel in one part of a licence area.

Example Channel 28 may be specified to be available for all parts of a licence area.  Channel 28 may be allotted to Broadcaster A and Broadcaster B.  The ACMA may issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 28 to Broadcaster A in one part of the licence area (Part A), and issue a transmitter licence for the use of a different channel to the same broadcaster in another part of the licence area (Part B).  The ACMA may issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 28 to Broadcaster B in Part B.  Broadcaster A will not be entitled to transmit on channel 28 in Part B, as the broadcaster will not have a transmitter licence authorising such a transmission.

5 Allotment of channels to commercial television broadcasting licensees – Schedule 1

  Allotment of channels to commercial television broadcasting licensees

1.    Each channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 1 is allotted to the commercial television broadcasting licensee of the licence specified for the table for use in the area in column 7, from the date (if any) specified in column 2 until the date (if any) specified in column 3.
2.    If no date is specified in column 2 for an item in a table in Schedule 1, the ACMA may allot the channel specified in column 1 of the item to the commercial television broadcasting licensee of the licence specified for the table.
3.    If no licensee is specified for a table in Schedule 1, the ACMA may allot the channel specified in column 1 of an item in the table to the commercial television broadcasting licensee of a commercial television broadcasting licence for the licence area specified for the table, for use in the area in column 7.

Note  If the ACMA has not allotted a channel specified in the table, the ACMA may make the channel available for use in an area by a commercial television broadcasting licensee, a national broadcaster or any other person by making a determination under section 34 of the Act and issuing a licence under section 100 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Determination of technical specifications of transmission of commercial television broadcasting services

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 1 must only be used for transmission of commercial television broadcasting services in accordance with the following specifications:

1.    subject to subsection (5), the transmission must not have an ERP greater than that specified in column 4;
2.    the transmission must have the polarisation specified in column 5;
3.    the transmission must comply with any additional specification specified in column 6.

1.    A transmission may have an ERP greater than that specified in column 4, if:

1.    the ACMA issues a transmitter licence that authorises the use of the channel specified in item 1 of the item; and
2.    a condition of that transmitter licence relates to the maximum ERP of the transmission made by that transmitter; and
3.    either:

1.      the condition complies with any applicable requirements in the Broadcasting Services (Technical Planning) Guidelines 2017; or
2.   if there are no applicable requirements – the condition does not allow the transmitter to be used to provide a transmission greater than 5 dB more than the ERP specified in column 4.

Note  Under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, the ACMA may also impose a transmitter licence condition specifying an output radiated pattern for the use of a transmitter.  The condition may set a limit for the ERP in a particular direction that is less than the maximum ERP specified in column 4 of an item that applies to the channel used by that transmitter.   

Determination of technical limitations and conditions on use of channel

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 1 must only be used for transmission of commercial television broadcasting services in accordance with a technical limitation (if any) specified for the table that is applicable to that channel.
2.    The ACMA may determine additional technical limitations on the use of the channel.

Note  Even if no applicable technical limitation is specified for the table, the ACMA may still determine additional technical limitations on the use of a channel by making a determination under this subsection.

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 1 must only be used for transmission of commercial television broadcasting services if an event or circumstance (if any) specified for the table that is applicable to that channel occurs.
2.    The ACMA may determine additional events or circumstances which must occur before the channel may be used.

Note  Even if no applicable event or circumstance is specified for the table, the ACMA may still determine additional events or circumstances that must be met before the channel may be used by making a determination under this subsection.

6 Allotment of channels to national broadcasters – Schedule 2

  Allotment of channels to national broadcasters

1.    Each channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 2 is allotted to the national broadcaster specified for the table for use in the area in column 7, from the date (if any) specified in column 2 until the date (if any) specified in column 3.
2.    If no date is specified in column 2 for an item in a table in Schedule 2, the ACMA may allot the channel specified in column 1 of the item to the national broadcaster specified for the table.
3.    If no national broadcaster is specified for a table in Schedule 2, the ACMA may allot the channel specified in column 1 of an item in the table to a national broadcaster for use in the area in column 7.

Note  If the ACMA has not allotted a channel specified in the table, the ACMA may make the channel available for use in an area by a commercial television broadcasting licensee, a national broadcaster or any other person by making a determination under section 34 of the Act and issuing a licence under section 100 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Determination of technical specifications of transmission of national television broadcasting services

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 2 must only be used for transmission of national television broadcasting services in accordance with the following specifications:

1.    subject to subsection (5), the transmission must not have an ERP greater than that specified in column 4;
2.    the transmission must have the polarisation specified in column 5;
3.    the transmission must comply with any additional specification specified in column 6.

1.    A transmission may have an ERP greater than that specified in column 4, if:

1.    the ACMA issues a transmitter licence that authorises the use of the channel specified in item 1 of the item; and
2.    a condition of that transmitter licence relates to the maximum ERP of the transmission made by that transmitter; and
3.    either:

1.      the condition complies with any applicable requirements in the Broadcasting Services (Technical Planning) Guidelines 2017; or
2.   if there are no applicable requirements – the condition does not allow the transmitter to be used to provide a transmission greater than 5 dB more than the ERP specified in column 4.

Note  Under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, the ACMA may also impose a transmitter licence condition specifying an output radiated pattern for the use of a transmitter.  The condition may set a limit for the ERP in a particular direction that is less than the maximum ERP specified in column 4 of an item that applies to the channel used by that transmitter.   

Determination of technical limitations and conditions on use of channel

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 2 must only be used for transmission of national television broadcasting services in accordance with a technical limitation (if any) specified for the table that is applicable to that channel.
2.    The ACMA may determine additional technical limitations on the use of the channel.

Note  Even if no applicable technical limitation is specified for the table, the ACMA may still determine additional technical limitations on the use of a channel by making a determination under this subsection.

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 2 must only be used for transmission of national television broadcasting services if an event or circumstance (if any) specified for the table that is applicable to that channel occurs.
2.    The ACMA may determine additional events or circumstances which must occur before the channel may be used.

Note  Even if no applicable event or circumstance is specified for the table, the ACMA may still determine additional events or circumstances that must be met before the channel may be used by making a determination under this subsection.

7 Allotment of channels to providers of other television broadcasting services – Schedule 3

  Allotment of channels to providers of other television broadcasting services

1.    Each channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 3 is allotted to the person specified for the table for use in the area in column 7, from the date (if any) specified in column 2 until the date (if any) specified in column 3.
2.    If no date is specified in column 2 for an item in a table in Schedule 3, the ACMA may allot the channel specified in column 1 of the item to the person specified for the table.
3.    If no person is specified for the table, the ACMA may allot a channel specified in column 1 of the table to any person for use in the area in column 7.

Note  If the ACMA has not allotted a channel specified in the table, the ACMA may make the channel available for use in an area by a commercial television broadcasting licensee, a national broadcaster or any other person by making a determination under section 34 of the Act and issuing a licence under section 100 of the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Determination of technical specifications of transmission of television broadcasting services

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 3 must only be used for transmission of television broadcasting services in accordance with the following specifications:

1.    subject to subsection (5), the transmission must not have an ERP greater than that specified in column 4;
2.    the transmission must have the polarisation specified in column 5;
3.    the transmission must comply with any additional specification specified in column 6.

1.    A transmission may have an ERP greater than that specified in column 4, if:

1.    the ACMA issues a transmitter licence that authorises the use of the channel specified in item 1 of the item; and
2.    a condition of that transmitter licence relates to the maximum ERP of the transmission made by that transmitter; and
3.    either:

1.      the condition complies with any applicable requirements in the Broadcasting Services (Technical Planning) Guidelines 2017; or
2.   if there are no applicable requirements – the condition does not allow the transmitter to be used to provide a transmission greater than 5 dB more than the ERP specified in column 4.

Note  Under the Radiocommunications Act 1992, the ACMA may also impose a transmitter licence condition specifying an output radiated pattern for the use of a transmitter.  The condition may set a limit for the ERP in a particular direction that is less than the maximum ERP specified in column 4 of an item that applies to the channel used by that transmitter.   

Determination of technical limitations and conditions on use of channel

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 3 must only be used for transmission of television broadcasting services in accordance with a technical limitation (if any) specified for the table that is applicable to that channel.
2.    The ACMA may determine additional technical limitations on the use of the channel.

Note  Even if no applicable technical limitation is specified for the table, the ACMA may still determine additional technical limitations on the use of a channel by making a determination under this subsection.

1.    A channel specified in column 1 of an item in a table in Schedule 3 must only be used for transmission of television broadcasting services if an event or circumstance (if any) specified for the table that is applicable to that channel occurs.
2.    The ACMA may determine additional events or circumstances which must occur before the channel may be used.

Note  Even if no applicable event or circumstance is specified for the table, the ACMA may still determine additional events or circumstances that must be met before the channel may be used by making a determination under this subsection.

Schedule 1 – Allotment of channels to commercial television broadcasting licensees

(sections 4 and 5)

1 Table 1.1 – Allotment of channels to licensee of BSL10103 and BSL 1130146

 (1) The commercial television broadcasting licences for this table are:

(a) the licence with the number BSL10103; and

(b) the licence with the number BSL1130146.

Note 1 See subsection 26(1F) of the Act. The ACMA has made decisions under subsection 102AE of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 that affect these two licences.

Note 2 These licences operate in the Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area. BSL10103 uses the callsign MTN, and BSL1130146 uses the callsign MDN.

 (2) No technical limitations are specified for this table.

 (3) No events or circumstances are specified for this table.

Note 1  If no date is included in column 3 of an item, the allotment is continuing.

Note 2  Column 7 describes the area in which a channel is allotted for use in general terms.  The actual parameters of use of a channel will be determined by the conditions of the transmitter licence issued under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Note 3  Column 8 is included for information only.  “Transmitter specification number” refers to the identification number used by the ACMA for identifying particular transmitters.

Note 4  In some circumstances, a person may be permitted to transmit on a channel at an ERP higher than that determined in column 4.  See subsection 5(5).

Note 5  The one channel may be allotted to two or more different broadcasters, for use in different parts of the one licence area; the ACMA may issue a transmitter licence to one broadcaster authorising the use of the channel in one part of the licence area, and issue transmitter licences to other broadcasters authorising the use of the channel in different parts of the licence area.

Example The ACMA may issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to a broadcaster in the one part of the licence area (Part A), and issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to another broadcaster in a different part of the licence area (Part B).  Because of this, the first broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part A of the licence area, and the second broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part B of the licence area.

Note 6 The one channel may be allotted to two or more different broadcasters, for use in the same part of the one licence area, where the ACMA has made a declaration under section 102AE of the Radiocommunications Act 1992 in relation to the broadcasters’ transmitter licences.

2 Table 1.2 – Allotment of channels to licensee of BSL10104

 (1) The commercial television broadcasting licence for this table is the licence with the number BSL10104.

  Note This licence operates in the Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area, and uses the callsign AMN.

 (2) No technical limitations are specified for this table.

 (3) No events or circumstances are specified for this table.

Note 1  If no date is included in column 3 of an item, the allotment is continuing.

Note 2  Column 7 describes the area in which a channel is allotted for use in general terms.  The actual parameters of use of a channel will be determined by the conditions of the transmitter licence issued under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Note 3  Column 8 is included for information only.  “Transmitter specification number” refers to the identification number used by the ACMA for identifying particular transmitters.

Note 4  In some circumstances, a person may be permitted to transmit on a channel at an ERP higher than that determined in column 4.  See subsection 5(5).

Note 5  The one channel may be allotted to two or more different broadcasters, for use in different parts of the one licence area; the ACMA may issue a transmitter licence to one broadcaster authorising the use of the channel in one part of the licence area, and issue transmitter licences to other broadcasters authorising the use of the channel in different parts of the licence area.

Example The ACMA may issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to a broadcaster in the one part of the licence area (Part A), and issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to another broadcaster in a different part of the licence area (Part B).  Because of this, the first broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part A of the licence area, and the second broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part B of the licence area.

3 Table 1.3 – Unallotted channels

 (1) No commercial television broadcasting licence is specified for this table.

 (2) No technical limitations are specified for this table.

 (3) No events or circumstances are specified for this table.

Note 1  If no date is included in column 3 of an item, the allotment is continuing.

Note 2  Column 7 describes the area in which a channel is allotted for use in general terms.  The actual parameters of use of a channel will be determined by the conditions of the transmitter licence issued under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Note 3  Column 8 is included for information only.  “Transmitter specification number” refers to the identification number used by the ACMA for identifying particular transmitters.

Note 4  In some circumstances, a person may be permitted to transmit on a channel at an ERP higher than that determined in column 4.  See subsection 5(5).

Note 5  The one channel may be allotted to two or more different broadcasters, for use in different parts of the one licence area; the ACMA may issue a transmitter licence to one broadcaster authorising the use of the channel in one part of the licence area, and issue transmitter licences to other broadcasters authorising the use of the channel in different parts of the licence area.

Example The ACMA may issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to a broadcaster in the one part of the licence area (Part A), and issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to another broadcaster in a different part of the licence area (Part B).  Because of this, the first broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part A of the licence area, and the second broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part B of the licence area.

Schedule 2 – Allotment of channels to national broadcasters

(sections 4 and 6)

1 Table 2.1 – Allotment of channels to Australian Broadcasting Corporation

 (1) The national broadcaster for this table is the Australian Broadcasting Corporation.

  Note This broadcaster provides a service in the Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area.

 (2) No technical limitations are specified for this table.

 (3) No events or circumstances are specified for this table.

Note 1  If no date is included in column 3 of an item, the allotment is continuing.

Note 2  Column 7 describes the area in which a channel is allotted for use in general terms.  The actual parameters of use of a channel will be determined by the conditions of the transmitter licence issued under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Note 3  Column 8 is included for information only.  “Transmitter specification number” refers to the identification number used by the ACMA for identifying particular transmitters.

Note 4  In some circumstances, a person may be permitted to transmit on a channel at an ERP higher than that determined in column 4.  See subsection 6(5).

Note 5  The one channel may be allotted to two or more different broadcasters, for use in different parts of the one licence area; the ACMA may issue a transmitter licence to one broadcaster authorising the use of the channel in one part of the licence area, and issue transmitter licences to other broadcasters authorising the use of the channel in different parts of the licence area.

Example The ACMA may issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to a broadcaster in the one part of the licence area (Part A), and issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to another broadcaster in a different part of the licence area (Part B).  Because of this, the first broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part A of the licence area, and the second broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part B of the licence area.

2 Table 2.2 – Allotment of channels to Special Broadcasting Service Corporation

 (1) The national broadcaster for this table is the Special Broadcasting Service Corporation.

  Note This broadcaster provides a service in the Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area.

 (2) No technical limitations are specified for this table.

 (3) No events or circumstances are specified for this table.

Note 1  If no date is included in column 3 of an item, the allotment is continuing.

Note 2  Column 7 describes the area in which a channel is allotted for use in general terms.  The actual parameters of use of a channel will be determined by the conditions of the transmitter licence issued under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Note 3  Column 8 is included for information only.  “Transmitter specification number” refers to the identification number used by the ACMA for identifying particular transmitters.

Note 4  In some circumstances, a person may be permitted to transmit on a channel at an ERP higher than that determined in column 4.  See subsection 6(5).

Note 5  The one channel may be allotted to two or more different broadcasters, for use in different parts of the one licence area; the ACMA may issue a transmitter licence to one broadcaster authorising the use of the channel in one part of the licence area, and issue transmitter licences to other broadcasters authorising the use of the channel in different parts of the licence area.

Example The ACMA may issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to a broadcaster in the one part of the licence area (Part A), and issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to another broadcaster in a different part of the licence area (Part B).  Because of this, the first broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part A of the licence area, and the second broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part B of the licence area.

Schedule 3 – Allotment of channels to providers of other television broadcasting services

(sections 4 and 7)

1 Table 3.1 – Allotment of channels to providers of other television broadcasting services

 (1) No person is specified for this table.

  Note This table specifies channels available in the Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area.

 (2) No technical limitations are specified for this table.

 (3) No events or circumstances are specified for this table.

Note 1  If no date is included in column 3 of an item, the allotment is continuing.

Note 2  Column 7 describes the area in which a channel is allotted for use in general terms.  The actual parameters of use of a channel will be determined by the conditions of the transmitter licence issued under the Radiocommunications Act 1992.

Note 3  Column 8 is included for information only.  “Transmitter specification number” refers to the identification number used by the ACMA for identifying particular transmitters.

Note 4  In some circumstances, a person may be permitted to transmit on a channel at an ERP higher than that determined in column 4.  See subsection 7(5).

Note 5  The one channel may be allotted to two or more different broadcasters, for use in different parts of the one licence area; the ACMA may issue a transmitter licence to one broadcaster authorising the use of the channel in one part of the licence area, and issue transmitter licences to other broadcasters authorising the use of the channel in different parts of the licence area.

Example The ACMA may issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to a broadcaster in the one part of the licence area (Part A), and issue a transmitter licence for the use of channel 8 to another broadcaster in a different part of the licence area (Part B).  Because of this, the first broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part A of the licence area, and the second broadcaster can only use channel 8 in Part B of the licence area.

Attachment 1 – Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area

(section 3)

1 Use of census data terms

  In this Attachment:

  A means the NSW Local Government Area (excluding Cities) statistical unit.

  C means the City statistical unit.

  CD means the Collection District statistical unit.

  LGA means the Local Government Area statistical unit.

  statistical units means the Australian Standard Geographical Classification areas used by the Australian Bureau of Statistics at the census of 7 August 2001.

Note Information about the Australian Standard Geographical Classification is available from the Australian Bureau of Statistics website, at http://abs.gov.au.

2 Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area

  The Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area comprises the following statistical units:

Note The Griffith and the Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area TV1 licence area includes the following “general areas served”: Hay, Hillston and Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area.

Endnotes

Endnotes

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

The endnotes provide information about this compilation and the compiled law.

The following endnotes are included in every compilation:

Endnote 1—About the endnotes

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history

Abbreviation key—Endnote 2

The abbreviation key sets out abbreviations that may be used in the endnotes.

Legislation history and amendment history—Endnotes 3 and 4

Amending laws are annotated in the legislation history and amendment history.

The legislation history in endnote 3 provides information about each law that has amended (or will amend) the compiled law. The information includes commencement details for amending laws and details of any application, saving or transitional provisions that are not included in this compilation.

The amendment history in endnote 4 provides information about amendments at the provision (generally section or equivalent) level. It also includes information about any provision of the compiled law that has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law.

Misdescribed amendments

A misdescribed amendment is an amendment that does not accurately describe how an amendment is to be made. If, despite the misdescription, the amendment can be given effect as intended, then the misdescribed amendment can be incorporated through an editorial change made under section 15V of the Legislation Act 2003.

If a misdescribed amendment cannot be given effect as intended, the amendment is not incorporated and “(md not incorp)” is added to the amendment history.

Endnote 2—Abbreviation key

Endnote 3—Legislation history

Endnote 4—Amendment history