This paper addresses the issues associated with night-time noise levels, particularly in relation to road noise. The impacts of road noise need to be seriously considered during the planning process in order to identify the appropriate siting of land uses and the extent of physical mitigation measures and special building treatments required to minimise impacts on affected communities. Based upon an extensive review of Australian and world-wide research and practice, including the work of the Organisation of Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) and the World Health Organisation (WHO), it can be concluded that the issue of night-time noise is approaching a critical momentum in Australia, with nearly 20 percent of the population in urban centres with populations greater than 100,000 residents exposed to excessive road noise levels. With the exception of New South Wales, the consideration of road noise during the land use planning process in Australia is minimal at present. A nationally recognised set of noise guidelines and objectives needs to be developed and enforced at both the state and local government planning levels, with the co-operative participation of the development and building industries, in order to achieve "best practice" in noise control and mitigation. (A)
Abstract