July 19 Rally - Report from the Front Line

Saturday, 19 July 2008 marked the first NAAG rally which was attended by over 150 placard baring local residents.  With placards carrying messages such as “Brumby, Pallas and VicRoads deaf to road noise concerns”, “VicRoads noise policy – It’s all noise!” and “VicRoads = Third World Noise Protection” the sentiment of local residents was clear to all.

Long time Haynes Crescent resident Peter Andrewartha addressed the assembled crowd, pointing out that only a few hundred metres down the road private enterprise (in the form of Transurban) was building noise walls to a 63 decibel standard, a standard VicRoads and the State Government are so far refusing to meet.

Peter also introduced Mr David Davis, Shadow Minister for the Environment and Leader of the Opposition in the Upper House.  David called on the State Government to address resident’s concerns and reverse their decision to install sub-standard sound walls.

Such was the prominence of the rally and importance of this issue it attracted the attention of Channel 9 News who ran the following story. Click here for the video clip.

The fight however, is far from over.  One story on the nightly news is not going to deliver us the improvement in noise walls that we all know is desperately needed.  It is up to each of us individually to keep up the fight!  How can you help?  Easy!

1. Stay tuned for our next community meeting.  We have invited Robert Stensholt, Member for Burwood and Tim Pallas, Minister for Roads to a community meeting where they will have the opportunity to defend their actions.  We’ll let you know the date as soon as it’s confirmed!
2. Print out a copy of David Davis’ noise poster and place it in your front window or on your front fence to show your support. Download Poster here.
3. Look out for the next letterbox drop from NAAG and sign and send the letters.
4. Be an ambassador!  Are you sure all of your neighbours have registered their interest with NAAG?  Are you sure they’ve signed and sent their letters?  If not, PLEASE go and knock on their door and get them involved today!
5. Send copies of noise readings or correspondence you have from VicRoads or other branches of government to naag@live.com.au
6. We’re always looking for acoustic engineers, lawyers and people with media contacts.  Talk to us if you have access to any of the aforementioned.
7. Write a letter to the local paper or to The Age or Herald Sun and continue to push this important issue! (And don’t forget to send us a copy of the letter!) 

 Pictures of the Rally with thanks to Trevor Phillips.