Mt Alexander transmission site: service status update

Background

January 2026 bushfires in regional Victoria caused significant damage to broadcast infrastructure at two sites operated by BAI Communications at Mount Alexander, resulting in the loss of FM radio services and free-to-air television services to communities across the Bendigo region and surrounding areas including Castlemaine, Echuca, parts of the Goulburn Valley and other areas in central Victoria. Power systems and broadcast infrastructure, including emergency backup systems, at both sites were badly damaged, requiring significant repair and rebuild work.

Updated May 2026

Radio

Radio services are operating at effectively normal power and coverage levels for audiences.

Digital television

ABC and SBS television services are operating at effectively normal power output and coverage levels for audiences, with all channels available.

Commercial television services are currently operating from a single transmitter at reduced power, with the following channels available:

7
7 Mate
9
9GEM (WIN)
10
10 Comedy

Full-power restoration for commercial services is expected by the end of 2026, due to lead times on transmitter delivery. The complete suite of commercial multi-channels is not expected to be fully available until 2027.

Significant remediation works are ongoing and will continue for some time, though these are not expected to disrupt services for audiences. The transmission site has both mains and redundant power available.

Audience advice

We recommend affected residents check their antenna setup, as those living in some areas may benefit from improving or reorienting receivers to get the best available signal. Audiences may also wish to engage a local broadcast technician who can assess their setup and guide them on the best way to tune reception for the strongest possible signal.

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