By Laura Wakely
SUNSHINE, Deer Park and Footscray are set to get a whole lot louder with up to 19 extra trains running when the Regional Rail Link (RRL) is completed.
The RRL Authority’s Noise Impact Assessment Report found that the highest noise levels are expected between Footscray and West Footscray stations, with sound up to 100 decibels predicted, while the greatest noise level increases –five decibel – will be felt between Sunshine and Deer Park.
The report states Sunshine-Deer Park corridor currently has between two trains per hour off-peak and three trains on-peak, but the RRL will cause this number to rise to six off-peak and 17 train on-peak.
The report notes that there are a number of initiatives that could be used to reduce the noise but that barriers couldn’t be incorporated into the design because the Government has no “settled” policy.
Fair Go for Footscray Rail Residents spokesperson Nick Fahey said the report delivered a mixed bag for residents.
“The report doesn’t give us what we want, which is noise protection and we’re disappointed in that,” Mr Fahey said.
“But on a positive note, the report finds heavily in favour of some sort of noise barrier. It’s putting the onus back onto the Government to make some sort of policy.”
He said he was hopeful of receiving a “reasonable response” from the Government but said it was a “critical time” for the project.
“If we don’t as a community take action I think we will regret that,” Mr Fahey said.
Brimbank Transport Action Group member and Sunshine resident Debbi Woods said the sound levels would be “terrible” for residents living near the rail line.
Ms Woods said the extra trains would also cause a headache for drivers.
“Can you imagine what Anderson Rd will be like? You won’t be able to use it because the boom gates will be down all the time,” Ms Woods said.
“Something has to be done about the transport and traffic on this side of town.
