Hansard - ACT Legislative Assembly

Legislative Assembly for the ACT: 2003 Week 2 Hansard (6 March) . . Page.. 821 ..

Environment Protection Authority-complaints

(Question No 486)

Mrs Dunne asked the Minister for Environment, upon notice:

In relation to the enforcement of noise pollution regulations:

(1) How many complaints were received by the Environment Management Authority to date this financial year;

(2) Have any warnings have been issued by the Environment Management Authority to date this financial year, if so how many and for what reasons;

(3) How many complaints were received by the Environment Management Authority in (a) 2001-02 (b) 2000-01;

(4) Were any warnings issued by the Environment Management Authority in (a) 2001-02 (b) 2000-01;

(5) Can the Minister provide a breakdown of the reason for the complaint (a) to date this financial year (b) in 2001-02 (c) in 2000-01;

(6) Can the Minister list how many complaints were received by suburb;

(7) Have there been any court actions against noise polluters (a) to date this financial year (b) in 2001-02 (c) in 2000-01.

Mr Stanhope: The answer to the member's questions is as follows:

(1) The Environment Protection Authority has received 219 noise related complaints to date this financial year.

(2) Yes. The Environment Protection Authority has issued 57 written warnings related to noise pollution to date this financial year.

32 for excessive noise from amplified music, home stereos or radios

13 for excessive noise from air-conditioners or heat pumps

5 for excessive noise from building works

3 for excessive noise from swimming pool pumps

1 for excessive noise from car repairs

1 for excessive noise from power tools

1 for excessive noise from leaf blowers

1 for excessive noise from wind chimes

(3) Environment Protection Authority received:

a) 343 noise related complaints in 2001 - 2002; and

b) 484 noise related complaints in 2000 - 2001