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Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 1996 Week 1 Hansard (22 February) . . Page.. 247 ..

Mr Humphries (continuing):

Thus, the two situations are quite different - the former sheep dip sites represent a potential health risk, the noise from motor sports does not. This noise should properly be regarded as an issue of environmental nuisance.

(2) As stated above, the situations are not comparable and there is no case for contemplating compensation. Noise from motor sports should be put in perspective. Background noise levels at the affected areas of NSW are generally 40 dB(A) and the maximum exemptions granted are for 15 dB(A) above background, yielding a noise level during motor sports of 55 dB(A). Such exemptions generally apply for a maximum of seven hours during which time noise levels would only reach 55 dB(A) intermittently. By way of comparison, the World Health Organisation has set a long term goal for traffic noise, expressed as the equivalent continuous sound level (Leq24hr), of 55 dB(A) . Clearly, noise from motor sports is an issue of nuisance in this circumstance, rather than a health risk.

(3) The report into possible alternative sites for motor sports has not been finalised. The Government will not be making any decisions on relocation before the report is completed.

(4) The Government is still considering the Commissioner's recommendations on noise from motor sports. I intend to review noise policy in general during 1996 as part of the development of the Integrated Environment Protection Legislation.

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