The Gladstone Regional Council is  urging Gladstone locals to act on digital television switchover.

"The Australian Government's switchover to digital television in regional Queensland is scheduled for the latter part of 2011 and residents are being urged to finalise their preparations," a Gladstone Regional Council spokesman said.

"Viewers in areas such as Rosedale, Agnes Water, Miriam Vale and Bororen will no longer receive analogue transmissions from Council-controlled "self-help" equipment and will need to convert to the Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST) service.

"Some areas of the Boyne Valley and Wurdong Heights are already receiving satellite television signals and should make their own enquiries with the Australian Government about any necessary changeover needs."

Details of the VAST (satellite) service are available from the Australia Government at www.digitalready.gov.au, or by phoning 1800 201 013.

"Viewers in areas covered by normal broadcaster transmissions will need to acquire set-top boxes (or their equivalent) to receive the new digital signal," the spokesperson said.

"Many have already done this, or have bought a new television with such equipment included, but time is running short for others."

The Australian Government will stop transmitting the existing analogue television signal sometime later this year.

More information concerning the Government's switchover process is available at www.digitalready.gov.au, or by phoning 1800 201 013.