Environment Protection Authority Victoria www.epa.vic.gov.au/noise/
About nine years ago EPA produced a report entitled Road Traffic Noise Strategy - Background Paper. See http://epanote2.epa.vic.gov.au/EPA/Publications.nsf/0/bf234e18192a4c37ca256bb200091951/$FILE/845.pdf
This was to provide the basis for consultation for the development of an endorsed strategy. EPA said there was so much interest that it warranted the development of a State Environment Protection Policy (SEPP) on this topic. However, nothing more seems to have been since done.
National Transport Commission www.ntc.gov.au
An interesting report from the National Transport Commission that noted that Australia's permissable vehicle noise levels are twice as high as international (Europe, USA and Japan) standards. www.ntc.gov.au/newsdetail.aspx?newsid=25
Since publication of this pamphlet the Australian standards have now been brought into line with European standards but they are still too high.
An interesting article on the Canadian experience www.digital-recordings.com/publ/pubnoise.html
A very US good site that explains all you need to know about how this problem is escalating and authorities are doing very little about it www.noiseoff.org/pipes/
In New Zealand the problem is very severe and has led a group of solicitors to establish a non-political Charitable Trust to encourage changes to vehicle noise legislation. www.noiseoff.co.nz
Noise Watch Australia is a national organisation that seeks to join with others to change how noise is considered, and how it is managed. It recognises that we all need to act to reduce risk from noise in our community because of its threat to economic, social, and environmental facets of life. It urges action to ensure integrity and health of individuals and our community. Noise Watch Australia intends to promote universal recognition of the harmful effects of noise on both the physical the psychological health of individuals in our community. See www.noisewatch.org.au
The number of motorcycles on the roads is increasing at a much higher rate than other vehicles. In Victoria, there was a 44% increase in the number of motorcycles between 2004 census and 2009 census. See www.abs.gov.au/AUSSTATS/[email protected]/mf/9309.0