By Christine de Kock
THE Environment Protection Authority (EPA) will conduct a noise pollution study in Footscray during a statewide program.
The study follows research in 1976 conducted by the organisation in residential areas of Melbourne.
Information resulting from the survey provided the basis for the noise policies and programs which still exist.
Tony Robinson, the EPA’s senior manager of science, said the new survey would “help identify where future noise strategies and programs are directed”.
“The results of this follow-up study will help us to understand how the noise environment has changed in 30 years.
“This information will be fed into programs to help local government and the police, who must deal with a myriad of domestic noise issues.”
The study is directed at monitoring a broad range of noises, such as those emanating from vehicle traffic, electrical and petrol-powered tools.
Maribyrnong mayor Janet Rice said she would have liked the study to include the noise coming from trucks and freight trains.
“Certainly, we would have wanted them included in such a study,” she said.
“Noise issues are a big concern to our residents, the rail and the truck noise is a key issue.
“It goes on often throughout the night, and people have suffered disturbed sleep for years on end.”
She said action groups like the Rail Diesel Freight Working group were formed because of concerns about noise.
“When it comes to trucks, we hear about people who live on Buckley St, Somerville Rd and Francis St who have trucks rumbling past their front doors at all hours of the day and night.
“So, it has a huge impact on their health and well-being,” Cr Rice said.
However, Mr Robinson said the EPA’s investigation was not of “specific noise sources or issues”.
“The sites were chosen based on the previous study.
“They include residential properties near a range of land uses – railways, industry, shopping centres, main roads and residential areas.
“It is a comparative study, therefore it must replicate the original as closely as possible.”
Studies will take place in a number of suburbs including Coburg, Sunshine, Richmond and Chadstone.
They will also include growth corridors like Melton, Werribee, Epping and Craigieburn.
The operation might take six months, with results due in early 2007.
