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The Governance of Traffic Noise Impacting Pedestrian Amenities in Melbourne Australia: A Critical Policy Review

Author

Listed:
  • David O’Reilly

    (Hawthorn Campus, Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design, Centre for Design Innovation; Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Marcus White

    (Hawthorn Campus, Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design, Centre for Design Innovation; Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

  • Nano Langenheim

    (Parkville Campus, Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne, Masson Rd, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia)

  • Pantea Alambeigi

    (Hawthorn Campus, Department of Interior Architecture & Industrial Design, Centre for Design Innovation; Swinburne University of Technology, John St, Hawthorn, VIC 3122, Australia)

Abstract

By identifying a unified aim of Federal, State, and Local government authorities to deliver healthier, more liveable urban spaces and enable walkable neighbourhoods in Melbourne, Australia, questions emerge regarding noise data collection methods and the policies that aim to protect pedestrian areas from potential increases in urban traffic noise. It highlights a missed opportunity to develop strategies that provide explicit guidance for designing more compact urban forms without diminishing pedestrian amenities. This study investigates the governance of traffic-induced noise pollution and its impact on pedestrian amenities in Melbourne, Australia. It aims to identify the government bodies best positioned to protect pedestrians from noise pollution and evaluate the strategic justification for reducing traffic noise to enhance urban walkability. This research employs a semi-systematic policy selection method and a hybrid critique and review method to evaluate the multidisciplinary governance frameworks engaged in the management and mitigation of traffic noise in Melbourne. Key findings reveal that while traffic noise poses significant health risks, current policies overlook its impact on pedestrian amenities in urban areas. This study emphasises the benefits of qualitative and subjective noise data collection to inform policy-makers of the pedestrian aural experience and impacts. Discussion points include noise management strategies and the value of implementing metropolitan-scale noise-mapping to illustrate the impact of noise rather than quantities of sound. The conclusions demonstrate that there is strategic justification for managing traffic-induced noise pollution to protect pedestrian areas within international, federal, and state government policies and implicit rationale at a local level.

Suggested Citation

  • David O’Reilly & Marcus White & Nano Langenheim & Pantea Alambeigi, 2024. "The Governance of Traffic Noise Impacting Pedestrian Amenities in Melbourne Australia: A Critical Policy Review," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 21(8), pages 1-25, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:21:y:2024:i:8:p:1080-:d:1457975
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. von Graevenitz, Kathrine, 2018. "The amenity cost of road noise," Journal of Environmental Economics and Management, Elsevier, vol. 90(C), pages 1-22.
    2. Julii S. Brainard & Andrew P. Jones & Ian J. Bateman, 2006. "Exposure to Environmental Urban Noise Pollution in Birmingham, UK," Chapters, in: Ysé Serret & Nick Johnstone (ed.), The Distributional Effects of Environmental Policy, chapter 6, Edward Elgar Publishing.
    3. Elise Van Kempen & Maribel Casas & Göran Pershagen & Maria Foraster, 2018. "WHO Environmental Noise Guidelines for the European Region: A Systematic Review on Environmental Noise and Cardiovascular and Metabolic Effects: A Summary," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-59, February.
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