Coutts snubs ' FRIENDS'

It is Friday the 26th of March and I still await a response to my letters to Mr Rod Coutts, President of Cairns FM 89.1. My first letter on behalf of the Friends was sent on the 17th of February and the most recent one was sent on the 22nd of March. In total 3 letters have been sent via email and registered mail. Not one reply from Mr Coutts.

I am disappointed, not just for the Friends but for the supporters of Cairns FM 89.1 that Mr Coutts has chosen to ignore the Friends' extended hand of friendship and goodwill. His choice is baffling considering the dwindling finances, sponsorship, volunteers, ongoing Federal investigation and more recently Cairns Police investigation. I believe the radio station is in peril and needs every assistance in rebuilding its creditability with the community and authorities.

I appeal to the general membership of Cairns FM 89.1 to seize the opportunity and direct Mr Coutts to become engaged in meaningful dialogue with the Friends.

Agreed Measures that were a pre condition of the Station licence renewal have generally been ignored. An attempt to change Clause 5 of the Constitution, membership relaxation, an agreed measure was passed by a meeting of the General membership without a three quarter majority of the membership present. The statutory requirements were not compiled with. Cairns FM 89.1 Solicitor has been informed of these irregularities.

Another breached condition is the non-posting of the Management Committee's minutes and Newsletters on Cairns FM 89.1 website. The recently revamped website does not include the Minutes and Newsletter as required by ACMA

The Friends are concerned that ACMA, the regulating authority has the power to cancel the licence for non compliance of agreed measures. The Friends are fearful that ACMA may have no alternative but to act accordingly.

Mr Coutts and the Management Committee are showing a consistent trend of non-compliance, incompetence, mismanagement and a reluctance to accept and work with ACMA and community groups who are prepared to assist.

I again offer to fill the vacant position on the Management Committee. My extensive community involvement and experience may be of assistance.

I await your call Mr Coutts.

Ross Parisi

Chairperson of Friends of 4CCR/FM 89.1