M1 sound and fury Motorway noise ‘like lawnmower’
AFTER experiencing noise described as like a “lawnmower operating at 15 metres” at his Pacific Pines home for more than five years, Bill Ward is fed up.
The Vietnam veteran says he is woken at 4am each morning as the M1 roars to life, and tasked an independent sound engineer to test noise levels at his Antipodes Close property last week.
The results showed Mr Ward regularly endures noise similar to the operation of a lawnmower, vacuum cleaner or hair dryer.
“You invite people around for a barbecue when the westerly isn’t blowing and you have to raise your voice,” he said.
Sound Engineer Sasho Temelkoski, from ATP Consulting, carried out tests at Mr Ward’s property from June 12-18. He found the average sound level during that time was between 50 and 57 decibels, while the noise sometimes hit peaks above 60 decibels.
“Under south-easterly MR WARD’S HOUSE END OF NOISE BARRIER, HESLOP RD wind conditions, which historical meteorological data shows is dominant on the Gold Coast throughout the year, the traffic noise level could have been conservatively three to five dB(A) higher,” he said.
Mr Tamelkoski said under the current rules, TMR is requested to act only if the noise limit of 68 decibels is exceeded. “TMR will most likely sympathise with Bill Ward but will not erect a new noise barrier or implement other measures unless the public pressure is too strong,” he said.
Mr Ward said he wants a sound barrier on the M1 – which stops just short of his
‘ALL MY WIFE WANTED WAS SOME PEACE.’
END OF NOISE BARRIER, M1 property – extended. He is also pleading that the section of M1 near his home, which has a concrete surface, is resurfaced with asphalt.
“No matter what the decibels, it’s a horrific noise – like someone is shouting at you,” he said.
“The TMR’s measurements are set too high for residents, even if you have a spike above the 68dB level, and we have a lot of spikes, the averages don’t even out.”
Gaven MP Meaghan Scanlon said she had only had one complaint in relation to the matter and it has been forwarded on to the Minister’s office. A Traffic and Main Roads spokesperson said the noise recorded at Mr Ward’s property was “significantly below” that allowed by their code of practice.