The services of a Mount Gambier law firm have been engaged by a group of concerned Millicent residents who are seeking action at the local community radio station 5 THE-FM.

Speaking on behalf of the concerned residents, David Walshaw said the group was frustrated by its inability to get answers or any action from the station management.

Mr Walshaw said the lawyers would write formal letters to the various regulatory bodies as well as 5 THE-FM.

“The Australian Communications and Management Authority will be advised that our group has its concerns about the current operations of 5 THE-FM,” Mr Walshaw said.

“ACMA will be asked to investigate as members of our group also hold the view that 5 THE-FM is possibly operating in contravention of its ACMA licence requirements with respect to its governance arrangements.

“A legal letter will also be sent to the Office for Business and Consumer Affairs asking it to examine if 5 THE-FM was complying with the governance requirements which are mandatory for all incorporated bodies.

“Our lawyers will be writing to 5 THE-FM for a second time asking about the fate of 60 membership applications which were lodged after a community gathering in Millicent last month.”

As well as the legal letters, Mr Walshaw and his group are considering other courses of action.

These actions by Mr Walshaw and his group follow letters of complaint about 5 THE-FM which were sent to the two regulatory bodies a few months ago by Wattle Range Council.

The five-yearly ACMA licence renewal process for 5 THE-FM is due to get under way in the coming months while the 5 THE-FM constitution states its annual general meeting must be held by the end of September.

The SE Voice has approached 5 THE-FM for comment.