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

David O’Reilly (), Marcus White, Nano Langenheim and Pantea Alambeigi
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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

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-25

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.

Keywords: traffic noise pollution; pedestrian amenities; health impacts; noise management; governance frameworks; policy interventions; qualitative noise data; walkability; environmental acoustics (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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