19 April 2016

Noise in the city, who would have thought?

| Alexandra Craig
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The new pop-up shipping container village in New Acton opened over the weekend (yay!) with the Art, Not Apart festival to follow next weekend. The festival will include stalls selling street food and handicrafts, there’ll be live entertainment, fun and games on the basketball court, and a dance party. Sounds like good fun, right?

Not according to some.

The above image (originally posted to Reddit) is a flyer reportedly distributed by members of the Irate Residents of Acton group, which goes by the acronym IRA, to homes in the New Acton area. The flyer urges residents to complain to the government and festival organisers about noise levels.

The IRA even goes so far to say that Andrew Barr has a plan to reduce quality of life by raising city noise limits. Groan. Give me a break.

Even if these events are particularly noisy, the majority of properties in Acton are brand new and would surely block out most of the sound. I used to live in a new-ish (maybe about seven or eight years old) apartment right off the main drag in Gungahlin. It was noisy when I was out on the balcony, but as soon as I was inside and closed the door it was silent. Did not hear a thing.

If properties in Acton aren’t blessed with soundproofing, that’s unfortunate but um… YOU LIVE IN THE CITY. If you want peace and quiet, go live in Gundaroo.

This group also complained last year about a jazz festival in New Acton. They said that this kind of event was not okay in a residential area. In my opinion Acton isn’t as much a residential area as it is part of the city. What about all the events that are actually in residential areas that people learn to deal with? The residents of Watson put up with the noise of car burnouts at Summernats every summer, while the residents of Bruce seem to deal with the noise of concerts at the stadium without too much fuss.

Yes, noise is annoying. But the events the IRA is complaining about will not take place every night for the rest of eternity and they do not take place in the apartment next door. It astounds me that people move to the city and expect no public events or noise to disturb them. While our city is not comparable to Sydney or Melbourne, why should we have to be silenced at 8pm? People complain that Canberra is a boring city and that there’s not a lot to do – so our government puts on a fun event like this and people complain about the noise. Sheesh.

The IRA also took to Twitter to complain to Chief Minister Andrew Barr, saying that they will oppose the Westside dance party. Aside from ranting and raving on Twitter and writing emails, I’m not sure what powers its members have. They can complain on the night, they can even call the police if they want, but they’re not going to be able to have a whole event pulled down like they want.

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Chief Minister Barr responded:

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Aside from there being a pretty obvious difference between a dance party and a rave, the IRA is worried that they will become a permanent feature of Acton. Wow, maybe we’ll even become the rave capital of the world! That’s not such a bad idea, it would probably generate tons for the economy. Good suggestion, IRA!

Barr shot back:

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I love it when a politician has a bit of sass.

Only a few more sleeps until the Westside dance party. In the meantime, I suggest the IRA take a road trip or invest in a pair of earplugs.

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dungfungus said :

On the other hand, if you are mocking me because I complain of the disgusting smell from the Mugga Lane Landfill that may have to live with than I find your suggestion contemptible.

I am not a scientist, but…

…that “smell” has been proved by many scientists and talkback radio commentators to be nothing but a hoax by certain Tuggers residents to make a killing out of fixing a problem that doesn’t exist, and will mean I will be inconvenienced and possibly have to change my wasteful habits.

Australia produces 1.8% of the world’s garbage. Something we should be proud of as we only have 0.34% of the world’s population.

China and every other country in the world will still throw out all their garbage anyway.

All that changing the way we dispose of our garbage will do, is drive businesses overseas and bankrupt Australia.

I am ready to vote in any pack of idiots so long as they promise that no-one tampers with the way we throw out our garbage, …or how much we throw out.

In fact we should all do our utmost to create as much garbage as possible. Garbage is food for plants and is the basis of our way of life!

Acton said :

This is all part of the grand Barr plan to densify Canberra by removing green spaces around the lake and nearby suburbs to cram in as many housing developments as possible. Hipsters rejoice.

This is the same Canberrans who rejoice in freeways through every piece of countryside between where they choose to live and to work, inexplicably lined with crows picking at road kill?

The same Canberrans who see any grass, pasture or landscaped area as beckoning them to park their cars?

The same Canberrans who don’t care about anyone except themselves and share a common shortsighted view of the world and their place in it?

Queanbeyanite said :

How much ratepayers cash was wasted on a pile of old containers and steel pipes?

And on a prime bit of real estate beside the lake.

Raves and similar high decibel drug fuelled debauchery could be held every night out the back of Fyshwick somewhere.

That part of the lake would have been enhanced with a Tathra Wharf style boardwalk incorporating the bike and paddleboat hire, paid for with half a dozen prestige lakeside apartments on the third and fourth floor.

Think of the huge mob of MAMILs that would have their morning coffee stop there before heading off for work. The coffee shop could have run a dry cleaning sideline.

The local council bozos couldn’t spot an opportunity if it bit them on their posterior.

According to the Canberra Times on Thursday, this project is in serious trouble with contractors not being paid and expected cost overruns for such things as completing a lift for the disabled.
Is anyone surprised?
The contribution by the ACT Labor/Green Government will exceed $1 million. As I have said on other threads, this government is always looking for innovative ways to waste money and again they have had a stunning success with this project which is a failure before it is even completed.
It is also a great eyesore – I can see the government paying someone another million dollars before the next election to tear it down.
Imagine what this mob are going to do to a tram project.

dungfungus said :

Postalgeek said :

dungfungus said :

I would rather have the noise than the smell from Mugga Lane landfill.

Yes, I would too.

Cue the four yorkshire men…

If you are referring to “150 people living in a shoebox on the middle of a road” I applaud your humour because this is exactly what Canberra is evolving into.
On the other hand, if you are mocking me because I complain of the disgusting smell from the Mugga Lane Landfill that may have to live with than I find your suggestion contemptible.

No, I’m not mocking you. I’ve caught a whiff of the Mugga tip and it’s not a pleasant thing to have wafting around your home on a regular basis.

1. They’re called IRA. Seriously?… Here’s an idea for a new name for them; Inane Soulless Imbecile Squad…. Oh wait!!

2. If you live in the city, there will be noise. Oh the joys of close quarters living. Deal with it. As someone that enjoys the odd rave party, these so-called residents can go to hell. I’ve been involved in helping run and DJ these sorts of events in Sydney. It is incredibly hard to secure a venue, unless you’re cashed up, of which most small club night promoters are not, so more power to the guys running these parties. With the cr*p there, we’ve had to resort to warehouse venues, or unofficially at an outdoor venue, when the police aren’t coming around to shut them down, that is.

It is residents like the “IRA” who seem to be hell bent on keeping the city dull and boring. It is better to have spontaneous other goings-on in the city, than to go to Mooseheads or Academy on the weekends! Sure the odd night of music or fireworks might keep them up, but really, if it’s peace/quiet you want, move to the outer suburbs.

Postalgeek said :

dungfungus said :

I would rather have the noise than the smell from Mugga Lane landfill.

Yes, I would too.

Cue the four yorkshire men…

If you are referring to “150 people living in a shoebox on the middle of a road” I applaud your humour because this is exactly what Canberra is evolving into.
On the other hand, if you are mocking me because I complain of the disgusting smell from the Mugga Lane Landfill that may have to live with than I find your suggestion contemptible.

Pork Hunt said :

Regarding the village, does pop up=pop down or is it permanent?

Read #6.

dungfungus said :

I would rather have the noise than the smell from Mugga Lane landfill.

Yes, I would too.

Cue the four yorkshire men…

Regarding the village, does pop up=pop down or is it permanent?

La_Tour_Maubourg7:00 pm 11 Mar 15

rommeldog56 said :

La_Tour_Maubourg said :

Similar situation to residents who knowingly purchase close to an airport, then complain about airport noise…

Oh come on. These people (and no, I’m not one of them !) didn’t buy in new Action knowing that there would be these parties/concerts – or wat ever they are – going on within earshot nor that the noise limits would be waived for those (if taht is true). As far as I know, the container thingy wasn’t even planned then.

Comments on this thread that lack appreciation of the residents concerns are just so typical of the selfish, self absorbed attitude that pervades Canberra nowdays.

These residents live in the City Centre.

Noise is common within the modern city centre.

It isn’t unusual for a city centre to host regular events which may generate noise and high concentrations of people, regardless if the venue has not yet been completed when resident moved in.

If one enjoys silence, perhaps Uriarra Village is the way to go?

I’m still chuckling at their outraged “almost midnight” comment ! Agreed that perhaps this is not the best place for them to live.

Would this be the same group who successfully shut down afternoon jazz in the same area ?

Queanbeyanite said :

How much ratepayers cash was wasted on a pile of old containers and steel pipes?

And on a prime bit of real estate beside the lake.

Raves and similar high decibel drug fuelled debauchery could be held every night out the back of Fyshwick somewhere.

That part of the lake would have been enhanced with a Tathra Wharf style boardwalk incorporating the bike and paddleboat hire, paid for with half a dozen prestige lakeside apartments on the third and fourth floor.

Think of the huge mob of MAMILs that would have their morning coffee stop there before heading off for work. The coffee shop could have run a dry cleaning sideline.

The local council bozos couldn’t spot an opportunity if it bit them on their posterior.

You mean exactly like the city to the lake project they have planned?
http://www.lda.act.gov.au/citytothelake/

Postalgeek said :

rommeldog56 said :

La_Tour_Maubourg said :

Similar situation to residents who knowingly purchase close to an airport, then complain about airport noise…

Oh come on. These people (and no, I’m not one of them !) didn’t buy in new Action knowing that there would be these parties/concerts – or wat ever they are – going on within earshot nor that the noise limits would be waived for those (if taht is true). As far as I know, the container thingy wasn’t even planned then.

Comments on this thread that lack appreciation of the residents concerns are just so typical of the selfish, self absorbed attitude that pervades Canberra nowdays.

That self-absorbed attitude goes two ways. Someone cops the smell of the tip. Someone has the flight path over them. Someone gets the medivac helicopter. Someone gets the parkway through their property. Someone has the guvvie housing near them.

If you want the communal positives of the city, then you should be prepared to shoulder some of the communal negatives of a city, and no-one and no area should be exempt from carrying their bit.

If it makes you feel any better, those who complain about NIMBYs can’t expect sympathy from anyone else when it’s their turn to be concerned about a government development occurring on their doorstep.

I would rather have the noise than the smell from Mugga Lane landfill.

Holden Caulfield10:20 am 11 Mar 15

rommeldog56 said :

La_Tour_Maubourg said :

Similar situation to residents who knowingly purchase close to an airport, then complain about airport noise…

Oh come on. These people (and no, I’m not one of them !) didn’t buy in new Action knowing that there would be these parties/concerts – or wat ever they are – going on within earshot nor that the noise limits would be waived for those (if taht is true). As far as I know, the container thingy wasn’t even planned then.

Comments on this thread that lack appreciation of the residents concerns are just so typical of the selfish, self absorbed attitude that pervades Canberra nowdays.

Part of the sales pitch for New Acton has always been its lively and happening atmosphere.

It’s true nobody would want loud concerts within earshot every weekend and that certainly wasn’t part of the sales pitch for the apartments in New Acton.

However, nobody is planning loud concerts at Westside every weekend. Or even every other weekend, from what I can tell.

Will the IRA complain every time the RAAF does a ceremonial fly by, that guns go off at Government House, the 3-4 times a year fireworks are let off over the lake and so on?

It’s part of the attraction of living in the city and near the lake.

What next, complaints about high-rise apartment buildings being erected in the area?!

Only 31 followers on Twitter! Something tells me this new IRA are in the minority amongst New Acton residents. Especially given that most of those 31 are probably just voyeurs wishing to keep up with the entertaining banter.

And as for the government’s plan to develop all the way down to the lake’s edge – that’s been publicly known for ages. Hardly a recent clandestine plot.

rommeldog56 said :

La_Tour_Maubourg said :

Similar situation to residents who knowingly purchase close to an airport, then complain about airport noise…

Oh come on. These people (and no, I’m not one of them !) didn’t buy in new Action knowing that there would be these parties/concerts – or wat ever they are – going on within earshot nor that the noise limits would be waived for those (if taht is true). As far as I know, the container thingy wasn’t even planned then.

Comments on this thread that lack appreciation of the residents concerns are just so typical of the selfish, self absorbed attitude that pervades Canberra nowdays.

That self-absorbed attitude goes two ways. Someone cops the smell of the tip. Someone has the flight path over them. Someone gets the medivac helicopter. Someone gets the parkway through their property. Someone has the guvvie housing near them.

If you want the communal positives of the city, then you should be prepared to shoulder some of the communal negatives of a city, and no-one and no area should be exempt from carrying their bit.

If it makes you feel any better, those who complain about NIMBYs can’t expect sympathy from anyone else when it’s their turn to be concerned about a government development occurring on their doorstep.

pink little birdie9:46 am 11 Mar 15

rommeldog56 said :

La_Tour_Maubourg said :

Similar situation to residents who knowingly purchase close to an airport, then complain about airport noise…

Oh come on. These people (and no, I’m not one of them !) didn’t buy in new Action knowing that there would be these parties/concerts – or wat ever they are – going on within earshot nor that the noise limits would be waived for those (if taht is true). As far as I know, the container thingy wasn’t even planned then.

Comments on this thread that lack appreciation of the residents concerns are just so typical of the selfish, self absorbed attitude that pervades Canberra nowdays.

The area in question has been a space for sporadic public events like circuses ever since I can remember and I’m 30 and lived here for all my life. So that argument doesn’t hold water.

Alexandra, weren’t you 2 months ago complaining about something like this happening in Braddon, you wrote an article about Summernats participants being rowdy on a Saturday night.

Couldn’t the argument also be “you live in the city, if you want peace and quiet move to Gundaroo”? 😛

Far as I’m concerned, we need to stop listening to the Ned Flanders’ of the Canberra and start turning our city into a place people actually want to be, because right now I have zero motivation to go anywhere near it.

Queanbeyanite11:24 pm 10 Mar 15

How much ratepayers cash was wasted on a pile of old containers and steel pipes?

And on a prime bit of real estate beside the lake.

Raves and similar high decibel drug fuelled debauchery could be held every night out the back of Fyshwick somewhere.

That part of the lake would have been enhanced with a Tathra Wharf style boardwalk incorporating the bike and paddleboat hire, paid for with half a dozen prestige lakeside apartments on the third and fourth floor.

Think of the huge mob of MAMILs that would have their morning coffee stop there before heading off for work. The coffee shop could have run a dry cleaning sideline.

The local council bozos couldn’t spot an opportunity if it bit them on their posterior.

La_Tour_Maubourg said :

Similar situation to residents who knowingly purchase close to an airport, then complain about airport noise…

Oh come on. These people (and no, I’m not one of them !) didn’t buy in new Action knowing that there would be these parties/concerts – or wat ever they are – going on within earshot nor that the noise limits would be waived for those (if taht is true). As far as I know, the container thingy wasn’t even planned then.

Comments on this thread that lack appreciation of the residents concerns are just so typical of the selfish, self absorbed attitude that pervades Canberra nowdays.

Sounds like someone should’ve checked their windows’ noise deadening qualities before moving in!! Almost as pathetic as the Metropolitan police shutting down an Aerosmith concert in Hyde Park London because it was 1 minute after midnight. Nearest dwelling; 100 metres away at the very least.

Alexandra Craig4:17 pm 10 Mar 15

La_Tour_Maubourg said :

Similar situation to residents who knowingly purchase close to an airport, then complain about airport noise…

Why can’t we have more Darryl Kerrigan’s in the world?!

La_Tour_Maubourg4:02 pm 10 Mar 15

Similar situation to residents who knowingly purchase close to an airport, then complain about airport noise…

An ugly, intentionally ghetto like, construction to give us the type of recreation facility the local government believes we should have. Maybe it’s intended to make us feel all warm and ghetto-like inside.

This is all part of the grand Barr plan to densify Canberra by removing green spaces around the lake and nearby suburbs to cram in as many housing developments as possible. Hipsters rejoice.

Coinciding with construction of a pop-up shipping container village is the planned removal of our city’s long-standing and much loved paddle-boat, canoe and bike hire facilities. Used by visitors and locals for decades.

Then comes more box-like high density apartments – selling off land in the West Basin to developers for money to fund the you know what.

And here’s the best part – an urban beach. Geothermally heated.

Oh, for the power to send both him and the Skywhale floating off westward, into the sunset towards some distant island.

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/lake-boat-and-bike-hire-businesses-fear-being-thrown-out-to-make-way-for-west-basin-project-20140824-106nx0.html

http://www.canberratimes.com.au/act-news/plan-to-heat-lake-burley-griffin-gets-thumbs-up-from-experts-20140821-106hb9.html

wow imagine if there were people who complained about new acton being built in the first place (there probably were) then the IRA wouldn’t have been able to move into their swish new apartments to complain.

People want everything these days and then don’t want it to ever change, except that it was change that got them where they are now.

Did this go in the Guiness Book of Records as the world’s slowest “Pop-up”?

Holden Caulfield said :

I never thought I’d be on the side of the government against the IRA, but here we are, haha!

Down with the Irate Residents of Acton, what a bunch of wowsers.

\X/

Briefly flicking over the Irate Residents of Acton tweets, as with the Concerned Citizens of Canberra, I get the impression that their numbers are a lot less than they’d have us believe, and I’m being kind by using the third person plural pronoun.

Old people are always complaining about something, it’s the ready access to printers that is a problem. Almost midnight on a Saturday? Outrageous!

So you move close to the city to be near amenities, restaurants, bars, clubs, festivals etc.

Then complain about the noise of those amenities, restaurants, bars, clubs, festivals?

*facepalm*

Dame Canberra11:13 am 10 Mar 15

This Twitter exchange between Andrew Barr and the IRA is the best. I do love having a sassy Chief Minister.

I often wondered what could trump the folly of Kate Carnell’s futsal slab.
It took about 20 years to happen but Andrew Barr has done it with the pop-up village.
It’s a bit like one civilisation establishing its cultural footprint only to have the conquering civilisation build their contribution to history directly on top of it.
The invading African Moors built several mosques over the ruins of Catholic cathedrals in Spain only to see them revert to cathedrals when the King Ferdinand an Queen Isabel defeated them a few hundred years later.
It will probably take “an act of God” (in the form of a tornado) to bring those containers down to earth.
I now wonder what the Liberals will build there when the win the next election. A larger than life statue of Robert Menzies?
Whoops, Labor have already got something like that in Civic Square.

Holden Caulfield10:06 am 10 Mar 15

I never thought I’d be on the side of the government against the IRA, but here we are, haha!

Down with the Irate Residents of Acton, what a bunch of wowsers.

\X/

pink little birdie9:58 am 10 Mar 15

The only thing about the events in Bruce that is even mildly annoying is when I forget there is an event on and try to go out Braybrooke Street instead of Eardly. And even then someone is usually kind enough to let people in.

They live in the city they need to deal with it.

I’d be more worried about the ferals who are continually harassing people, and they’re a legitimate permanent fixture.

Can you really call it a ‘pop up’ village if it took 8 months to construct?

Milly Withers9:08 am 10 Mar 15

After reading all of that, the thing I can’t get over is the fact that they call themselves the IRA. Seriously?

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