Residents’ Noise Stories
To assist in the review of the Residential Noise Regulations, a story-gathering process was used to obtain views from the Victorian community. Residents in local areas came together to share their experiences of noise from neighbours.
Story focus groups are an ideal way to find out more about people’s experience of an issue or a topic. They give a greater depth of understanding that can be found with traditional phone or written surveys.
A story also carries a personal voice that brings to reality the human impacts of a problem such as noise. By listening to a story, others can gain an insight into and feel a greater connection to a problem. Reporting on stories can help people better understand how to resolve an issue.
The noise stories have provided a valuable insight into the issues that can be associated with residential noise. The stories have helped EPA and local government to identify issues and to develop a framework for future guidance. The findings and recommendations are presented in a report. 
Future guidance will support the revised Residential Noise Regulations, encourage better community relationships around noise and help improve noise investigation by local authorities.
EPA thanks all the residents who shared their experiences and the councils and community groups who helped with the story sessions. We also thank the local government officers who analysed the stories.
Click here to download the Noise Stories Report