Noise

2007 noise surveys


EPA's Bert Zerbst with the noise data logger (Source: Newspix/Chris Eastman)

EPA published studies in 2007 on the impacts of environmental noise across the state.

A social survey of 1213 Victorian residents was conducted in late 2006. EPA also conducted a measurement survey, taking noise levels at 50 sites across the inner, middle and outer suburbs of Melbourne.

These studies helped EPA to better understand the impact of noise on the community and assist with future noise management programs.

Environmental noise impacts on peoples’ lives through annoyance, sleep disturbance, reduced work or school performance, stress and anxiety, reduced enjoyment of home life and other physical health effects.

Noise levels measured across Melbourne were similar to those measured in the past, despite growth in traffic volumes and increased urbanisation. However, more people were affected by noise than 20 years before.

Noise from traffic and neighbours were the most common sources affecting people in Victoria. Seventy per cent of people could hear traffic noise in their homes and over a million Victorians were annoyed by it. Traffic noise was also the loudest noise source.

Neighbour noise annoyed about 900,000 Victorians. Televisions and music were the most common issues. Noise from construction at residential and other premises was also significant.

EPA Victoria thanks the Melbourne residents who kindly volunteered their time and homes for the measurement survey and all of the Victorian respondents to the social survey.

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Page last updated on 2 Aug 2012