Beach jingle sounds sun safety alarm - NSW

December 12, 2009
The Sunday Telegraph

A BROADCAST warning about the dangers of the sun will be blasted out every hour at beaches this summer.

The Cancer Council NSW initiative will take the form of a five-second musical "sting" written by singer-songwriter Ben Lee and will be played over loudspeakers usually reserved for shark alarms and other danger warnings.

The so-called Sun Sound will be aired at Cronulla and Gosford city beaches from today, with plans to expand the program to all beaches, sporting events, pools, music festivals and playgrounds.

Its message, "be sun sound", aims to remind beachgoers to reapply sunscreen and be conscious of the amount of time they're spending outdoors during peak UV hours. It will be played on the hour between 10am and 3pm and less often outside of those times...

Sutherland Shire Council beach operations manager Brad Whittaker said the jingle would be played at beaches and four leisure centres from today as part of a year-long trial to improve sun safety.

Extra speakers have been installed at the beach...

Rowan Briam killed over neighbour noise dispute

news.com.au
December 01, 2009

A MAN has been charged with murder in Melbourne after a man died following an apparent neighbourhood dispute.

Rowan Briam, 38, of Alamein Road, Heidelberg West, had complained about noise coming from a nearby house eight days ago.

He died after an altercation, police allege.

Homicide detectives charged Tjay Tuncak, 24, of no fixed place of abode, with Briam's murder late yesterday...

Herald Sun

A MAN has been charged with the murder of Rowan Briam, whose throat was slashed after he went to investate a noise in Heidelberg West last month.

Charged was Tjay Tuncak, 24, of no fixed address.

Mr Biram allegedly heard a girl scream on November 23 and went to investigate.

It is alleged he was dragged into the front yard of the Alamein Rd property and his throat was slashed and he died in his neighbour's arms...

Herald Sun
November 22, 2009

HOMOCIDE detectives are investigating the death of a man who is believed to have complained to his neighbours about making too much noise late last night.

A 38-year-old man was found dead in the front yard of a house in Alamein Rd, Heidelberg West, in Melbourne's northeast about 11.50pm (AEDT).

Up to eight people may have been involved in an altercation that resulted in the man's death, Detective Leading Senior Constable Dale McQuarter said today...

Earlier last night police attended the house in response to a noise complaint from what is believed to have been another neighbour.

Sen Const McQuarter said between 12 and 20 people were there at the time, ranging in age from 12 to their mid-50s.

He said officers attended to the matter. A neighbour in Alamein Rd subsequently left his house to investigate the noise and an altercation broke out...

"It's a shocking thing to happen in any street."

Neighbour pulls knife on "that Nazi guy" - Cairns

Courier Mail
December 01, 2009

A SELF appointed unit block vigilante threatened a neighbour with a knife because he believed the man was continually complaining to police about loud music, a court heard today.

Errol Lawrence Lui accused the neighbour of being "that Nazi guy who keeps calling the police" before assaulting him and the neighbour's daughter.

The Court of Appeal in Brisbane, heard Errol Lawrence Lui was preparing dinner in his Cairns unit, in north Queensland, when he heard loud music coming from a car in the driveway, on August 9 last year.

He saw a man, who lived next door to the unit block, approach the car and speak with the driver who apologised and turned down the music.

The court heard Lui then appeared on the scene armed with a 30 centimtre knife and abused the complaining neighbour.

Lui ordered the man off the property and said: "You're the Nazi guy that keeps calling police."

The court was told he grabbed the man's shoulder and held the knife to his chest.

The man's daughter appeared and Lui put the knife away before exhanging insults with her.

As she walked away he thumped her on the right shoulder and said: "I know who you are and I know where you live." ...

In sentencing Lui, Judge Bill Everson said people were entitled to complain about loud music without "some knife wielding drunken lunatic attacking them and threatening to stab them"...

Neighbour bashes party goers - Qld, Stanthorpe

The Chronicle
26th November 2009

A MAN wrongly accused of dobbing in his partying neighbours to police used a large stick to repeatedly bash two party-goers in Stanthorpe.

One of the victims was so severely beaten with the 1.5 metre stick that police believed he had a fractured skull.

Stanthorpe Police acting senior sergeant Tim Dachs said another neighbour had called police on Sunday night to make a noise complaint against a resident who was holding a party.

Police attended the gathering and requested the group to keep the noise down.

Act Snr Sgt Dachs said two party-goers, a man and woman in their 30s, confronted a neighbour in Lock Street about calling the police.

This middle-aged man did not call the police but started a fight with the pair anyway.

He grabbed the stick and repeatedly struck the pair in the head...

Uni of Qld: why city-living dogs bark

By Annabel McGilvray for ABC Science Online
Posted Fri Oct 16, 2009

Australian animal welfare researchers have uncovered why city-living domestic dogs may be prone to nuisance barking.

In this month's issue of Australian Veterinary Journal, a team from the University of Queensland's Centre for Animal Welfare and Ethics report a case-control survey of 150 dog owners, including 72 dogs whose owners had sought treatment for nuisance barking.

Barking can be classified as being a nuisance when it causes distress or interruption to the life of the dogs' owners or neighbours.

The results suggest dogs most likely to become nuisance barkers are young dogs from herding breeds such as collies and kelpies, those bred in a home environment, and those that have access to the indoors or live with other dogs.

The co-author of the report, Professor Clive Phillips, says the work was prompted by the high number of public complaints and inquiries about nuisance barking, with studies suggesting approximately a third of dog owners possess at least one nuisance barker.

Professor Phillips says barking may be caused by separation anxiety, perceived threats in the environment and can sometimes be simple social interaction, canine-style. But human actions and responses also play a role.

In sub-tropical Brisbane, "more people may be outside and so it may be that they are more likely to notice dogs barking," Professor Phillips said.

Young exuberance

The survey showed the greatest risk factor was the age of the dog. More than a quarter of those dogs that had been classified as nuisance barkers were less than a year old.

Professor Phillips says this is not surprising as at that age many dogs use barking as part of the learning process. The preponderance of young barkers may also occur because those dogs who are nuisance barkers at a young age do not remain in the home into old age.

The fact that herding dogs were more likely to bark also fits with the character of those breeds. Cattle dogs, German shepherds, border collies and other 'herding' dogs generally require more stimulation than other breeds.

Separation anxiety

In many cases dogs are very loyal to their owners, increasing the likelihood of separation anxiety, the study's authors write.

The researchers were surprised to find that dogs bred at home were more prone to be nuisance barkers.

"We had thought that dogs from shelters would be more likely to be nuisance barkers because they often arrive in shelters because of behavioural problems," Professor Phillips says.

"It may be that homebred dogs are greater barkers because of greater separation anxiety."

Animal behaviour specialist and author of A Modern Dog's Life, Dr Paul McGreevy of the University of Sydney, has studied canine separation anxiety and says barking is the most common way dogs have of coping when owners leave the house.

"People worry and recognise them as problematic if the neighbours are complaining. That's the key step," he said.

"A dog that's quietly melting in distress in the backyard, or in the home, is rarely identified as a dog suffering separation anxiety."

Dr McGreevy says while the sample size of the study affects the wider relevance of the results, it is a much-needed addition to research on the topic, which is responsible for the most dog-related complaints to local councils.

RMIT: Neighbourhood din can make you sick

October 09, 2009
Daily Telegraph

... Scientists have found that noise has a physiological effect, including a potentially dangerous change to the heart's activity.

The neighbourhood racket also has people picking up their phones, with 25 per cent more calls about noise made to the Environment Department's hotline in the past four years.

Airconditioning, pool pumps, alarms, animals, power tools and traffic were the most common causes of complaint.

And with good reason, according to RMIT Associate Professor of Biosignals Dinesh Kumar whose research linked noise to physical changes.

"Even though the noise level may not seem very high, it has an impact on the body," he said.

One of Professor Kumar's PhD students measured the responses of 20 participants to white noise, a mixture of individually unidentifiable sounds, ranging between 60dB and 95dB.

Professor Kumar said the controlled conditions experiment showed long periods of low-level noise had the same effect as much higher levels of noise.

The as-yet unpublished research will be presented at a conference in Brazil in 2010.

Joseph Durrant killed by neighbour over barking dog

No justice for `barking dog’ Mt Pritchard murder victims: Parents
11 Jun 09
Fairfield Advance

THEY didn’t want revenge, only justice for their son who was stabbed to death at Mt Pritchard over an argument about a barking dog.

But former Liverpool mayor Joseph Durrant and his wife Jackie feel the just hand of the law has alluded their son Joseph `Joey’ Durrant, 47, after the sentencing of his killers in the NSW Supreme Court yesterday.

Katrina Megan Whitmore, 26, was sentenced to at least 10 years in jail for the murder of Mr Durrant.

Her brother, Frederick Reyon Whitmore, 35, was sentenced to four years after he pleaded guilty to manslaughter.

Mr Durrant, who stood up in disbelief when the sentences were handed down, said the punishments did not fit the crime.

"I am very disappointed with the judicial system and angry with the judge,’’ he told the Leader.

"The sentences were too light.

"They took 20 to 40 years of my son’s life who will never see his children or grandchildren again."

Mr Durrant was stabbed in the back after an argument over Ms Whitmore’s barking dog in Mt Pritchard in 2007.

In April a jury found Ms Whitmore guilty of Mr Durrant’s murder.

Ms Whitmore’s defacto Steven Spiro Sotiropoulos, 34, was acquitted of murder and manslaughter charges.

In sentencing Katrina Whitmore, Justice Michael Adams described her actions as "an impulsive act of fury"’ but said he was not satisfied she was the one who stabbed Mr Durrant with the fatal blow.

"I do not accept she had a knife,’’ he said.

"I do not accept she inflicted the lethal wound.

"Her involvement was with any reflection a spontaneous act of rage.’’

Mr Whitmore admitted to having a knife at the time of the argument but denies delivering the lethal blow.

Justice Adams said despite the sibling’s previous assault convictions they had a good chance for rehabilitation.

But the victim’s mother described the sentencing as a "complete farce’’.

"She (Katrina) will be out by the time she’s 37 and have her whole life ahead of her.

"She will get to see her family while we go to Joey’s grave site every week.’’

Katrina Megan Whitmore killed neighbour Joseph Durrant over barking dog
April 01, 2009
news.com.au

A WOMAN has been found guilty of fatally stabbing a man after he complained about her barking dog.

On his way home from alcohol-fuelled Australia Day celebrations with a friend in 2007, Joseph Durrant, 47, argued with his neighbour about her dog.

The dog's owner, Katrina Megan Whitmore, 26, threatened Mr Durrant before physically attacking him over his comments.

Whitmore's co-accused Steven Spiro Sotiropoulos, 34, joined in the fracas at Mt Pritchard, in southwestern Sydney, and Mr Durrant was fatally stabbed.

The jury at their New South Wales Supreme Court murder trial began deliberations on Monday morning and today found Whitmore guilty of murder.

Mr Sotiropoulos was found not guilty of the same charge.

Parents waiting for justice
Liverpool Leader
01 Apr 09

FORMER Liverpool Mayor Joe Durrant and his wife Jackie hope a jury will reach a verdict today in the trial of two people accused of murdering their son.

Joseph “Joey” Durrant, 47, was stabbed to death at Mt Pritchard after an argument over a barking dog on January 27, 2007.

Katrina Megan Whitmore, 26, and her de facto, Steven Spiro Sotiropoulos, 34, of Sadleir, have pleaded not guilty to the murder.

The jury hearing the case went into its second full day of deliberations yesterday and is expected to continue deliberations this morning.

Yesterday Mr Durrant, of Warwick Farm, said the death of his “lovable larrikin” son - and now the gruelling three-week trial - had taken its toll on his family.

“Joey is not here to speak up for himself and tell us what happened,” Mr Durrant said.

“But someone killed him and we just want justice for our son ... Joey deserves that.”

During the joint trial at the NSW Supreme Court, the jury heard how Mr Durrant suffered several stab wounds during a brawl involving several people, including the accused, and Katrina’s brother Frederick Reyon Whitmore.

But it was an attack to the back which killed Mr Durrant.

Crown prosecutor Chris Maxwell QC alleges Ms Whitmore delivered the fatal blow.

Mr Durrant and his housemate Guy Marrett were walking to their Phyllis St home about 1am after Australia Day celebrations.

The jury heard Mr Durrant and Mr Marrett shouted ``shut up’’ at a barking dog.

Ms Whitmore confronted the two men over the way they spoke to her dog and they were followed by Mr Sotiropoulos and her brother before a fight erupted.

Witnesses told the court they heard a female threaten: ``I’ll stab you in the eye.’’

But the accused couple denied they had a knife at the time of the fight, and claim it was Frederick Whitmore who stabbed and killed Mr Durrant.

The evidence of key witness Adam Duncan, who was also involved in the struggle, has played a vital part in the trial.

Mr Duncan told police he heard Ms Whitmore say: ``I’ll stab you in the neck personally’’ and saw her stab Mr Durrant.

But Mr Duncan’s friends have given different accounts of what they witnessed.

Mr Duncan admitted he’d taken the drug ice and was drunk on the night in question and now had trouble recounting the events.

Defence lawyers Ray Hood and Mark Dennis claimed Mr Duncan was not a credible witness and the prosecution’s case was riddled with conflicting evidence.

At the time the Leader went to print the jury were continuing their deliberations.

Son's murder 'changed family's status'
The Age
May 22, 2009

A former suburban Sydney mayor says his son's murder, sparked by an argument over a barking dog, left him heartbroken and changed his family's status in the community.

The NSW Supreme Court heard sentencing submissions on Friday for Frederick Reyon Whitmore, 35, who has pleaded guilty to the manslaughter of Joseph Durrant, 47, in the early hours of January 27, 2007.

Mr Durrant was on his way home from alcohol-fuelled Australia Day celebrations in 2007 when he complained about a noisy dog in Phyllis Street in the southwestern Sydney suburb of Mt Pritchard.

He was fatally attacked with a knife...

Mr Durrant's father, Joseph Durrant Snr - a former Liverpool Lord Mayor - read victim impact statements for himself and his wife Jacki Durrant, including that his son "Joey" was a dog lover.

"I'm angry that the aggressive, senseless actions of these offenders took the life of a light-hearted larrikin," Mr Durrant read on his wife's behalf.

"He would have always turned around and had a beer with them rather than had a fight.

"I want them to realise the preciousness of what they have stolen from (us)."

The court also received statements from one of Mr Durrant's three daughters Jessica, 19, and his brother Michael Durrant.

"There is now a stigma attached to us ... when someone in your family is murdered it is assumed you are bad people," Mr Durrant told the court.

He went on to say that as a religious family, "we don't want revenge, all we want is justice".

NSW: Picture of man wanted over 'noise shooting'

Sydney Morning Herald
November 26, 2007

Police have issued an arrest warrant for a man wanted over the alleged murder of father of four Stephen Holmes at the weekend.

They are looking for 59-year-old Stanley Francis Maguire, who is also known as John Maguire.

They warn anyone who sees him to be careful and not to approach him, but to call police immediately.

He is 176cm tall, medium build with short grey hair and blue eyes. He is also believed to have tattoos on both forearms.

Anyone who with information is asked to call Wollongong Police on 02 4226 7899 or CrimeStoppers on 1800 333 000.

Mr Holmes was killed after confronting his neighbour. He died after being shot in the chest ...

Related posts:
Man shot dead after loud music complaint
Shot dead for complaining about loud music

Sydney: 64 hours of steady drinking

Sydney Morning Herald
November 17, 2007

THE owner of an Oxford Street pub has threatened court action if she is refused permission to open for 64 hours straight every weekend.

Anna Stillone, owner of the Burdekin Hotel, has applied to City of Sydney Council to open all five floors of her hotel from 8am until 2am every weekday and from 8am Friday until midnight on Sunday. Extended trading is expected to double the pub's patronage to more than 800 people at peak periods.

The development application has sparked an angry campaign from nearby residents. "Noise is the biggest issue," said one, Christine Byrne. "It's a highly residential area, and here we have the potential to have, every weekend, all day and every night, over 800 people at the gateway to Oxford Street boozing and smoking, screaming and fighting. We will never sleep."

Ms Byrne said Oxford Street was much noisier and disruptive than when she moved in 10 years ago. "The number of late-trading nightclubs has grown and grown … . It's mayhem as they pour out of these places," she said.

"Our owners' corporation is now paying between $100 and $150 a week every week … to clean faeces, urine and drug paraphernalia from our stairwells."

She said the Burdekin had a history of breaching its noise limits, but Ms Stillone denied this ...

Ban on truck brake noise

Courier Mail
November 19, 2007

TRUCK muffler businesses should boom in the wake of a clampdown on engine brake noise that has been approved unanimously by the Australian Transport Council.

National Transport Commission safety spokesman Tim Eaton said engine braking noise on heavy vehicles fitted with worn, defective or inferior mufflers had been a community concern for some time.

"During consultation, the community broadly supported the regulation, while the trucking industry's views ensured that it is practical and targets only the small number of operators who do the wrong thing," he said ...

Eaton said trucks fitted with purpose-designed mufflers in good condition were reasonably quiet in any case, and would not be impacted by the new regulation.

"Noise problems emerge when mufflers deteriorate or are replaced with an inferior product, so fixing the problem is as easy as replacing the muffler," he added.

"Once it has been implemented by that states and territories, this regulation will help to ensure a minority of noisy vehicles do not result in community-led truck curfews and restrictions, which could impact on productivity."

The development of a national regulation and enforcement technology involved government and industry and was unanimously supported by the Environment Protection and Heritage Council ...

The Regulatory Impact Statement can be seen at the NTC website www.ntc.gov.au: here and here.

From NTC's website:

Title: Regulation to manage engine brake noise approved
Article Date: 13 Nov 2007

An in-service standard to manage engine brake noise has been approved unanimously by the Australian Transport Council (ATC)

The loud ‘bark’ caused by engine brakes on heavy vehicles fitted with worn, defective or inferior mufflers has been a community concern for some time, yet, until now, it has remained unregulated.

National Transport Commission (NTC) General Manager Safety & Environment Tim Eaton said the development of a national regulation and enforcement technology has been a collaborative effort involving government and industry ...

QLD: Barking's our pet hate

Courier Mail
November 25, 2007

BARKING dogs, noisy machinery, dusty work sites and litterers are driving us crazy.

More than half of all waste complaints taken by local government over the past year related to littering while 52 per cent of noise complaints were about neighbours' pets.

The Environmental Protection Agency and local government officers fielded a total of 21,512 environmental complaints in 2006-07, with noise issues sparking the most – 8494 ...

Clive Begg from the University of Queensland's school of social sciences said although the number of complaints reflected a growing population, it also showed that people now sought a higher degree of civility.

"People expect higher standards from their neighbours, the community, government and employers," Dr Begg said.

Dr Begg said as more people crowded in to Brisbane, with larger housing blocks being cut up, territorial issues also arose.

WA man shot twice in row over loud music

Sydney Morning Herald
November 11, 2007

A 25-year-old man has undergone emergency surgery for gunshot wounds after being shot for ignoring a request to turn down his music.

The man was entertaining friends at his home in Boddington, South of Perth, on Saturday when the incident occurred.

"They were having a few drinks and playing some music," police spokesman Trevor Davis said.

A visitor at the neighbouring house approached the 25-year-old man, asking him to turn the music down, Insp Davis said.

"He spoke to the victim but to no avail," he said.

Police allege the man then left but returned to the neighbouring house with a .22 calibre semi-automatic rifle.

"He pulled into the driveway of his friend's home and fired three shots in the direction of the victim's house while standing at the dividing fence," Insp Davis said.

"It is alleged he then took aim at the victim and fired two shots at him.

"The first shot struck him in the stomach and the second struck him in the buttocks." ...

Griffith University: Noise just sickening

Courier Mail
November 11, 2007

SICK to death of noisy neighbours? Researchers have linked chronic noise to sleep disorders, learning difficulties and high blood pressure.

Griffith University School of Environment lecturer Deanna Tomerini said it was clear from the Environmental Health Council of Australia study that "unwanted sound" was as detrimental to public health as air and water pollution, and that the problem was growing.

"Higher-density living, population growth, the increase in road and air traffic – it's evident noise problems are increasing. More people are being affected by noise," she said.

Ms Tomerini warned that governments could expect health problems to increase as noise problems worsened.

"Noise should be given the same priority as any other health issue," she said.

"Noise just has to be up there at the same level. We need to identify the extent of the problem now. Many of the things to be done to prevent noise need to be done at the planning stage."

Inner-city resident Marion Brown, 59, said there was no doubt her health had suffered after two years of enduring the "neighbours from hell" ...

"It's got to the point where I've been so tired from being unable to sleep because of their noise, I've slept in the car," she said. "I didn't want to sell, but I felt like I had no other choice." ...

Ms Tomerini said it would be helpful to have a more integrated approach, including a single agency to receive complaints.

Man shot dead after loud music complaint

news.com.au
November 26, 2007

A MAN was shot dead in front of his family home after confronting a neighbour once too often to demand he turn the music down.

The running neighbourhood stoush took a violent turn on the weekend when coal miner Stephen Holmes was killed by a single shotgun blast to the chest.

The alleged shooter was being tracked by police on the Central Coast last night after his car was found abandoned on the F3 near Mt White west of Sydney.

A family friend of Mr Holmes said the neighbour was constantly playing music so loud late into the night that no one could get any sleep.

"This guy told another neighbour that he was going to play his music again on Saturday night and that if Stephen tried to stop him he would kill him," she said ...

The 41-year-old father of four, who had just had a big promotion at the Helensburgh Coal mine, died on the scene while his eldest child sat by his side.

The youngest, just two years old, could be heard repeating "my daddy's dead, my daddy's dead" ...

Neighbours told The Daily Telegraph numerous complaints had been made against the alleged shooter.

"There were all sorts of weird rumours going around about him. He used to sit out in the rain playing his banjo or ukulele into the early hours of the morning," one neighbour said.

Another neighbour said he heard the two men swearing loudly at each other before the gun shot went off ...

The banjo-playing fugitive is believed to be hiding somewhere on the Central Coast ...

Inspector Chris Taylor said he could not confirm or deny claims by residents that nothing had been done in response to numerous complaints they made to police against the man, described as 175cms tall with a medium build and white thinning hair.

See also ninemsn video

Shot dead for complaining about loud music

Sydney Morning Herald
November 26, 2007

Police are hunting for a man after a father of four was shot dead outside his home in Woonona, north of Wollongong, after complaining about loud music on Saturday night.

Stephen Holmes, 41, a miner, was killed after complaining about the music coming from a house in his street.

Mr Holmes died on a neighbour's front lawn after being shot in the chest ...

The incident started about 9pm when Mr Holmes became concerned about loud music coming from the home of a neighbour, who lived diagonally across the road in Lassiter Avenue.

"There was loud music and his two youngest children couldn't sleep,'' a friend of the family said.

"He went out and asked the neighbour to turn the music down and then returned to the house.

"But the bloke stood outside on his front lawn and kept yelling out, 'Come out here, you dog.'

"Angela went to the phone and called the police and it was while she was on the phone she heard a gunshot.".

Two of Mr Holmes's daughters, Samantha, 16, and Juanita, 5, were also on the lawn.

"Samantha ran to her father's side and lay down beside him," the friend said.

Neighbours cared for Mr Holmes until police and ambulance arrived, but he died shortly after ...

The neighbour did not know what had led to the shooting but he confirmed Mr Holmes and the alleged killer had been involved in a dispute about five to six months ago that led to a verbal confrontation ...

Noisy air-con puts Sydney woman in court

Daily Telegraph
August 20, 2007

REPLACING her old air conditioner with a reverse cycle unit has landed Dragica Koceva in court after the western Sydney resident failed to comply with a noise control notice issued by Fairfield council.

Mrs Koceva, 51, of St Johns Park, said she has been victimised because she uses her air conditioner.

''This is ridiculous. I feel like a criminal, they made me feel like I did something wrong,'' Mrs Koceva told The Daily Telegraph.

''I have lived 20 years in Australia and suddenly I have to go to court because I'm using my air conditioner ...

Mrs Koceva said since a neighbour made the complaint about her $990 air conditioner, she has spent at least $400 to modify the noise level to suit council standards ...

A council officer is expected to come out and test the air conditioner noise levels again this week. ''I don't think it's too loud,'' Ms Koceva said ...

Ms Koceva's case highlights a growing problem _ burgeoning numbers of noise complaints to local councils in response to a trend for larger, reverse cycle air conditioner units. Manly council's manager for regulatory services, Mark Pearson said the trend for larger homes had meant consumers were now installing commercial-scale reverse cycle climate control units.

''We get between 10 and 13 complaints a week about air conditioner noise,'' Mr Pearson said ...

Figures for air conditioner noise complaints from Blacktown council showed complaints have increased by 25 per cent in five years.

City of Sydney council said noisy air conditioners accounted for roughly 10 per cent of its more than 1000 noise complaints in the last calender year ...

'You try to keep them at least three metres from the property's boundary,'' he said. Ms Koceva meanwhile has been ordered to attend Fairfield Local Court next month.

QLD: Quarries proposal rocks quiet country surrounds

Daily Mercury, 16.08.2007

IN the quiet surrounds of Palmyra, west of Mackay, residents fear a proposal to mine three quarries will disrupt the rural peace and stir up dust on the country roads.

During a meeting of Mackay City Council yesterday no decision was made on whether to approve the three quarries off Bells Road, just past the Mac Speedway and Palmyra drag race track.

The applicant, Ken Vella, has already indicated blasting won't be used but that promise has failed to placate the 24 residents in the cane farming district who signed a petition earlier this year ...

Cr George Christensen, who represents the area, said residents' greatest fear was potential noise and dust from trucks rumbling up and down what he said was an already sub-standard road.

To access the quarries, trucks would have to travel along a section of Bells Road shared by locals and traffic from the racetracks nearby ...

The application is expected to come before council again.

SA: Early birds survive roasting

Adelaide Now

August 17, 2007 02:15am

A MOVE by two councillors on Eyre Peninsula to ban roosters from towns in the area has been rejected by their colleagues.

A motion by councillors Laurette Waddell-Smith and Robert Lawrie that the council impose a by-law to ban roosters in towns in the council area was rejected at Tumby Bay's council meeting on Monday night.

The council had received a complaint from a ratepayer about noise from a neighbouring property, which housed several roosters.

Tumby Bay mayor Graeme Stirling said the council could invoke Section 254 of the Local Government Act, which gave it the power to make an order against the owner of noisy animals ...

"We have here a town where more than 50 per cent of people are aged over 65, and they don't want their sleep interrupted at 2.30 or 3 o'clock in the morning."

NSW: Highway upgrade downgrading lives

Lismore Northern Star
16.08.2007 By HELEN JACK

GRAEME MILLER and wife Margit are counting the cost in lost value to their home from construction of the new Pacific Highway at Ocean Shores.

Their home overlooks a section of the upgraded highway from Brunswick Heads to Yelgun which opened on July 11. And the Millers are not alone. The new highway is causing sleepless nights for hundreds of people.

Two hundred local residents packed the Ocean Shores Country Club's main auditorium on Tuesday night to describe to RTA representatives how traffic noise is robbing them of sleep, and impacting on their health and wallets.

One Ocean Shores woman told the gathering she had resorted to sleeping pills to get to sleep.

Others, constantly woken during the night by trucks running over ripple strips, said they had given up trying to sleep, preferring to get up and pursue hobbies or work to pass the time until dawn ...

Residents living five kilometres from the highway said they were experiencing noise levels never heard before the highway opened.

RTA Pacific Highway general manager Bob Higgins told the meeting sound testing near the highway would not start until October when all work was finished.

"It's important for us to understand if (the noise) is coming from the road surface or the ripple strips," he said.

Mr Higgins' response was referred to as 'unsatisfactory' and many considered the meeting was enough public consultation with the RTA to justify approaching the director-general.

MP Don Page said he would make representations to the NSW Minister for Roads Eric Roozendaal on behalf of residents.

Gold Coast: Clubs fail noise and light safety

15Aug07 goldcoast.com.au

GOLD Coast nightclubs are likely to be told to turn their music down and their lights up because of serious concerns about health and safety.

A Liquor Licensing source told The Gold Coast Bulletin the organisation had received a report on excessive noise levels at Gold Coast nightclubs highlighting 'real concerns' staff and patrons could end up with permanent hearing damage.

Tests have shown many of our nightclubs frequently exceed 110 decibels which overseas studies have shown can damage hearing after 15 minutes exposure a day ...

The police report has recommended nightclubs operate at a maximum level of 96dB.

"The report explained there are accepted medical studies that have been available for some time from the UK showing that three out of four nightclubbers are at risk of permanent hearing damage." said the source.

"Many of these nightclubbers are reporting symptoms that could lead to incurable tinnitus (continual ringing in the ear) or premature deafness.

"(The report) also touched on some problems encountered by staff and police at some Gold Coast nightclubs with not being able to communicate instructions to patrons because of the extremely loud noise." ...