Oral Reply to Parliamentary Question on Construction Noise

Question:

Dr Charlene Chen: To ask the Minister for Sustainability and the Environment (a) in relation to construction noise near residential estates, how is compliance with noise thresholds enforced and how frequently is it monitored; (b) how are prolonged duration and cumulative exposure to such noise factored into enforcement measures; and (c) whether noise thresholds will be reviewed, including the use of psychoacoustic factors such as sharpness and roughness of sound.

Answer:

Construction sites within 150m of residential premises are required to install noise meters which NEA monitors. NEA takes strict enforcement action against contractors who exceed the permissible noise levels, with more severe enforcement action typically taken for repeated offences as well as those with a longer duration of exceedances.

NEA will continue to review the regulations including the permissible noise levels, to ensure that they remain relevant and effective in protecting public health.