Noise surveys 2007
EPA Victoria has recently competed studies to better understand the impacts of environmental noise across Victoria.
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 help 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 are similar to those measured in the past, despite growth in traffic volumes and increased urbanisation. However more people are affected by noise than 20 years ago.
Noise from traffic and neighbours are the most common sources affecting people in Victoria. 70% of people hear traffic noise in their homes and over one million Victorians are annoyed by it. Traffic noise is also the loudest noise source. Neighbour noise annoys about 900,000 Victorians. Televisions and music are the most common issues. Noise from construction at residential and other premises is also significant.
Acknowledgements
EPA's Bert Zerbst with the noise data logger (Source: Newspix/Chris Eastman)
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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