TV tower marks milestone

Once considered the tallest free-standing tower in the southern hemisphere, the Mt Barker TV Tower will next month reach 15 years since it was raised more than 25m to install a digital UHF antenna.

The tower, which recently marked 50 years since its creation, was ready for transmission on June 6, 1966, and was 168m high.

Originally built to provide ABC television service to surrounding areas, the tower is now also used by SBS and commercial stations, along with providing assistance for a variety of radio communications.

The tower now stands at 193m and weighs 310 tonnes, and is still one of the tallest freestandingtowers in the southern hemisphere.

The installation of the new antenna in August 2001 was a precise procedure that had a margin for error of only 2cm.

Five workers spent more than four hours atop the tower as a helicopter transported materials and equipment to the workers.

The final stage of the job required the helicopter to hover above the tower with the 25m high antenna as it was fitted into place.

Pilot Grant Biel’s accuracy was imperative to the success of the project.