Federal Government chips in $90 million to fund ABC’s new Melbourne HQ
The Government has announced that it will “support the construction” of a new Melbourne HQ for the ABC with a $90 million loan.
Stephen Conroy
Senator Stephen Conroy, Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, said the loan would be paid back by 2020-21, and said the funding would consolidate the ABC’s offering and lead to savings.
“Subject to approval of Parliament, the Government will provide the ABC with a loan of $90 million to assist the construction of a purpose-built facility at Southbank, Melbourne,” he said.
“The new headquarters will house the ABC’s radio, television and digital production operations, as well as its broadcasting and support services.
“The ABC is currently spread across three sites in Melbourne: two at Elsternwick and one in Southbank. By consolidating operations, it will allow the ABC to achieve operational savings and productivity benefits that will ensure it can continue delivering high quality content across a broader range of platforms.
“The ABC has grown into a multi-platform media organisation, which delivers a range of news, current affairs, sport, and entertainment programs that are accessed by millions of Australians every day.
“The new facility will help the ABC meet its needs into the future.”