Residents push tin noise issue

By Shaun Inguanzo
“HELL on Earth” is almost over for Keysborough residents who claim noise from a nearby factory has ruined their lives.
Three homes abutting a strip of industrial properties are hoping for peace and quiet when tin buildings housing a pallet-making business along Cambria Road, Keysborough, are properly soundproofed.
The three properties initially objected to the factory’s application to extend, but their owners now hope soundproofing will be part of the works. But there could be a battle in store for the residents, according to Keysborough Ward councillor Roz Blades, who two weeks ago amended a council recommendation supporting works to the factory and pushed for soundproofing to begin immediately and take no longer than four months.
Cr Blades said the factory would have to accept the amended motion, which would cut its construction period from two years to four months.
“I hope the applicant takes the amendment in the spirit it is intended, which means it can carry on with its business and the residents can live their lives normally,” she said.
Cr Blades said the residents along Festival Crescent, behind the factory, had been through “hell on earth” with noise reverberating from the tin shed.
Resident Jill Buckingham said the noise was “horrendous”.
“I have been complaining for a long time,” she said.
“It has only been this February the council started doing something about it.” Ms Buckingham said a majority of other factories were brick buildings which created a barrier to sound, unlike the tin sheds.
“Even on a windy day they rattle loudly,” she said.
“They both need to be demolished and proper factories built with proper soundproofing if they are going to have a factory near our fence line. We need them totally soundproofed so we can live our normal lives.”