Phoenix Radio to broadcast budget

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale will create history when he brings down the 2008-09 budget for the City of Ipswich next week.

For the first time the council proceedings and budget speech will be heard on a delayed live broadcast via Phoenix Radio online.

University of Southern Queensland's (USQ) Phoenix Radio, an online radio station serving Ipswich, will provide this service as part of its commitment to the city.

Lecturer Ashley Jones said the online radio station was established as both a teaching and learning facility for USQ Bachelor of Applied Media students and a community based radio station.

'This type of programming is typical of the service the station seeks to provide,' Mr Jones said.

'USQ students will be actively involved in getting the delayed live broadcast to air at 11.30am this Monday.'

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said the broadcast would be an exciting initiative.

'Our city is fast gaining the reputation as being a city of education and information technology.  What better way to take part in the budget process and hear what is said first hand,' Mayor Pisasale said.

The budget will be handed down at the USQ auditorium in Springfield Lakes commencing at 10am.

Mr Jones said the Phoenix Radio broadcast would feature the budget speech as an unedited presentation.

'There will be some segments that will not translate to radio so they will be cut, apart from that the broadcast will be as presented. This is the true value of community radio where content that informs residents can be presented with the facts,' he said.

To listen to the Phoenix Radio budget broadcast log onto www.phoenixradio.com.au at 11.30am Monday June 30 and click listen live.

A link will be provided on the site to the Ipswich City Council website along with other budget information.

The station is a 24 hour 7-day a week live streamed service with regular local programs.

Media Contact: Jo-Ann Sparrow, USQ Media, +61 7 3470 4119 or 0428 102 979