Projects

The Lefevre Peninsula is a crucial economic area in South Australia with a concentration of heavy and special purpose industries and commercial activities, and as the state’s central hub of import and export transit facilities.

The Lefevre Peninsula contains a diverse array of noise-emitting activities including freight and passenger transportation in close proximity to residential and mixed purpose areas.

The EPA worked with the Port Adelaide Enfield Council to conduct a long-term noise monitoring program in Lefevre and Port Adelaide areas. Data was acquired from March 2016 to September 2017. A network of 9 noise monitoring stations was deployed in the area to evaluate cumulative noise impact and acoustical amenity.

The report detailed strategic noise mapping based on predictive modelling combined with indications of the noise monitoring stations deployed over the long-term period. This allowed for detailed analysis of noise contributions from different noise sources. Some of the areas characterised by higher noise levels are targeted for comparison with population exposure descriptors and factors. This study will be utilised to improve noise management in an area challenged by a history of development prior to modern urban planning.

The unique Adelaide central business district (CBD) is ringed by parklands which will focus development to allow for population growth and increasing commercial activity into the construction of tall buildings. The challenge of mixing residential and commercial land uses in the city centre means that noise and amenity are significant issues for all occupants of the CBD.

The EPA conducted a long-term noise monitoring program in the Adelaide CBD area between May 2015 to May 2016. A network of 6 noise monitoring stations were deployed in the northern section of Adelaide CBD on streetlights to evaluate cumulative noise impact of the area.

The Adelaide CBD strategic noise monitoring report details strategic noise mapping based on predictive modelling coupled with indications of the noise monitoring stations deployed over a long-term period. This allowed for detailed analysis of noise contribution from various noise sources. Some of the CBD areas characterised by higher noise levels are targeted for comparison with population exposure descriptors and factors. The results of this study can be utilised for effective noise management and urban planning decisions to reduce noise impact in the city.

Bowden Village is an important urban renewal project situated on the northwestern fringe of the Adelaide parklands, just 3 km from the Adelaide central business district. Comprising the former industrial factory sites of Clipsal and Origin Energy, the project aims to transform the site into an integrated, walkable and highly liveable modern urban community.

Strategically located on the Adelaide–Outer Harbor commuter rail line and at the end of the Glenelg–Entertainment Centre tram line, the project aims to pioneer the concept of ‘transit-oriented development’ in South Australia. Challenges faced by such a development is noise, particularly from transport infrastructure and other commercial and entertainment uses within the locality of the mixed-use development.

This project was undertaken between June 2012 and March 2013. The noise impact in the area was compared to the recommendations of relevant standards and regulatory documents. The majority of the site was found to be suitable or conditionally suitable for residential developments. Almost all of the area is compatible with other uses such as commercial or mixed use.

The development of mixed-use areas such as Bowden demonstrate the importance of effective planning and design solutions to meet and mitigate the challenge of noise and other environmental conditions which can affect the amenity of an area.