The Environmental Protection Authority of Western Australia has decided against launching a formal investigation into noise complaints surrounding the Burswood race track, despite receiving multiple concerns from local residents about the impact of racing events on their community.
Noise Complaints Fall Short of Environmental Harm Threshold
The state's environmental watchdog confirmed it had assessed the noise concerns raised by residents but determined the issues did not meet the threshold for a formal investigation. The EPA concluded there was insufficient evidence to suggest the race track noise was causing environmental harm, which is the legal requirement for the authority to intervene in such matters.
Local residents had expressed frustration about the noise levels emanating from the Ascot Racecourse during major racing events, including the Perth Racing Carnival. Complaints highlighted how the sound from race announcements, crowd noise, and broadcasting systems was affecting their quality of life and peace within their own homes.
Existing Regulations and Alternative Avenues
The EPA noted that noise from sporting venues and entertainment facilities typically falls under the jurisdiction of local government authorities rather than state environmental regulators. The City of Perth holds primary responsibility for managing noise complaints related to the racecourse through its local laws and planning conditions.
Residents experiencing disruption from race track activities have been directed to pursue their concerns through the city council's complaint process. The local government has established mechanisms to address noise issues that affect residential amenity, though these operate separately from the EPA's environmental protection mandate.
This decision comes amid ongoing discussions about the balance between major sporting events and residential amenity in increasingly urbanized areas. The Burswood peninsula has seen significant residential development in recent years, bringing more residents into closer proximity with established entertainment and sporting venues.
Broader Implications for Urban Development
The EPA's position highlights the challenges facing growing cities like Perth, where residential areas increasingly border entertainment precincts. The authority emphasized that its role focuses specifically on environmental harm rather than general nuisance complaints, drawing a clear distinction between these two categories.
This case underscores the importance of considering noise impacts during the planning stages of both residential developments and entertainment facilities. As Perth continues to grow and densify, similar conflicts between established venues and new residents are likely to emerge in other locations.
The decision leaves residents to work directly with the City of Perth and venue operators to find solutions to noise concerns, while the EPA maintains its focus on matters involving demonstrable environmental damage.
