Noise detector runs at Springs

By LAUREN MENTJOX

A computerised noise detector is now running at Western Springs speedway in a council bid to manage noise levels that locals say are too high.

Provided by the Auckland City Council, the $125,000 noise-monitoring system was put to the test for the first time at the weekend during a practice race.

Council environments manager Barry Smedts said the new system worked well, but more testing was needed because wind and rain cut the practice race short.

"We are being a lot more active in measuring noise, so we are going to be on site for each race in the first three or four weeks of the season."

The first of its kind in New Zealand, the system is equipped with a weather-proof microphone and noise-level analyser.

It can also monitor the speed and direction of the wind, and record noise as a digital audio file (MP3).

Data collected on the system will be transmitted to a computer where a city council noise specialist will be able to analyse the results.

The speedway's promoter, Springs Promotions, will also be able to see the information, which will monitor speedway, motorsport, concerts, festivals and other events that use the public address system.

Springs Promotions manager Dave Stewart said the new system would allow for more consistent noise readings than those given by noise consultants.

"We basically want to be specific because we were always getting varied results.

"We want to show that this is 100 per cent compliant with the district plan, and to do that you have to spend a considerable amount of money on correct monitoring systems."

Springs Promotions had wanted to meet local residents to discuss complaints about noise levels for some time, Mr Stewart said.

"Our offers to speak to them have been rejected and now the residents are taking us to the Environment Court."

Springs Stadium Residents' Association secretary and local resident Kim Farr said she thought the new system was dubious.

The association was set up this year in "sheer frustration" about noise levels, and now numbers more than 400 people from Grey Lynn, Ponsonby, Western Springs and Westmere, she said.

"We are concerned it is being managed by the [speedway] promoter when the district plan states it is supposed to be run by an independent body," Ms Farr said.

"This is the council's solution but really all we wanted was an individual acoustic consultant to give independent noise level readings.

"I can't understand why the council is bending over backwards to let the promoter manage it.

"It's really shocking."

Ms Farr, whose Old Mill Rd property borders the speedway, said people from as far as Herne Bay had complained about the noise, which had worsened in the past two years.

"We can't open our doors or windows and the children can't get to sleep," she said.

"The community just can't cope with it."

Mr Smedts said the council was prepared to act against the speedway promoter if noise exceeded the 85-decibel level set out in the district plan.

"At the end of the day it is the council's job to enforce noise levels and we will take enforcement actions if the levels exceed the limit."