By Ari Sharp
THE Nationals MP representing Mildura is pleading with the government to delay the switch-off of analog TV signals in the area due to fears thousands of people could soon be left without reception.
Sunraysia, the north-west Victorian district that includes Mildura, will on June 30 become the first region in Australia to lose its analog signal as part of three-year switch to digital TV.
Government figures indicate 79 per cent of Sunraysia's residents have switched to digital and the Digital Switchover Taskforce is confident the Mildura switch-off will go smoothly.
But John Forrest, the federal member whose seat of Mallee includes Sunraysia, says up to 5000 people could be left without reception.
''We're running out of time, and I'd like the government to consider deferral of the June 30 date until they can be confident.
''If you take the footy off my constituents, it's going to be World War III.''
Mr Forrest's prediction is based on concerns a digital upgrade to a transmission facility in Ouyen, one of 100 the government announced last month, would not be ready before the switch-off. But switchover taskforce executive director Andy Townend insists the Ouyen site, and another one in Underbool, are on track.
''That should deal with the vast majority of blackspot signal deficiencies in the area,'' Mr Townend said.