ACT construction noise rules lag NSW, leaving Barton residents unprotected
Barton residents say ACT construction rules lack Sydney CBD protections.
For a year, Barton residents have endured noise from excavation and demolition. The work happened at a Manteena construction site on Brisbane Avenue.
Janet Hughes, a resident, appealed to the company, the ACT Environment Protection Agency, and the government. None of them helped.
ACT construction rules do not require noise management plans. They also do not set limits on jackhammering, rock breaking, or how long excavation can last.
The ACT does not limit noise that spreads from commercial zones into residential areas. By contrast, Sydney CBD rules require noise management plans and equipment to reduce noise.
An ACT government spokesperson confirmed that construction sites don't need to submit noise management plans. The site is due for completion in mid-2028.
Excavation was due to finish in early 2027, depending on how hard the rock was.
- 10 Brisbane Avenue, Barton
- Site location
- 8-storey office, 3 basement levels
- Building specifications
- Early 2027
- Excavation completion target
- Monday-Saturday, 7am-6pm
- Approved working hours
Why it mattersACT residents have fewer legal protections against construction noise than Sydney residents. Yet both cities are building fast.
AustraliaCanberra residents facing long-term construction noise have little recourse under current law. Residents and local groups can now point to Sydney's tighter framework to push for ACT reform.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
