By Laura Wakely
SUNSHINE West residents are looking forward to a good night’s sleep after a transport company was ordered to build a sound wall at its Vella Drive site.
The Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) ordered site operator Lindsay Transport Ltd to meet with Brimbank City Council in August after a series of complaints about noise coming from the Vella Drive address.
The council commissioned an independent noise consultant to carry out acoustic testing at the site, which found noise was as high as 11 decibels over accepted levels (Keep it quiet, 10 May, Sunshine Star).
The VCAT mediation resulted in an enforcement order requiring an acoustic sound barrier to be constructed in 90 days, which will be tested for compliance.
If the sound barrier meets requirements, the Lindsay Transport will be able to carry out works at the site, including the replacement of a fuel tank.
Administrator Meredith Sussex said the outcome had ensured that the company couldn’t “get away with” breaching conditions.
“It is in fact a vindication of a dedicated committee and perseverance of a group of residents who had a very bad time with a breach by a very big company,” Ms Sussex said.
“It’s a significant victory for the residents, a significant victory for the council and a significant victory for residents across Melbourne who live near industrial areas.”
Ken Mooney, a resident who lives near Vella Drive said noise had been as high as 92 decibels in his house one night.
“They’ve got 700 b-double plus they’ve got contractors going in day and night,” Mr Mooney said.
“You didn’t sleep properly at all.
“You were tired all the time and it was just, well, it was absolutely disgusting.”
Mr Mooney said the council had done a “terrific job”.
“It’s a victory for all the community,” he said.
“We stand together and we’ve won.”
Lindsay Transport did not return calls from Star.
