Silence is golden for Hill Park residents after wall removed

By WAYNE THOMPSON

Having a quiet night at home is something that residents of Hill Park, Manurewa, could only joke about for two years.

But since last Wednesday, they say, they have been treated to a run of them.

While their homes are near the Southern Motorway, residents say they are basking in country-like quiet since their arch-enemy, an acoustic barrier at the Botanic Gardens on the other side of the motorway, was pulled down.

The Environment Court ordered the Auckland Regional Council to tear down the $300,000 steel wall after the court accepted residents' complaints that the attempt to soundproof the gardens had made their lives a noise hell.

Yesterday, residents said they were joyfully adjusting to life as it was "before the wall".

"It's great," said resident Therese Quayle. "Everyone we have spoken to says it's definitely more quiet."

Alveen O'Sullivan, whose home is also beside the motorway, said: "We don't need to have the television turned up to 22 or 23 to hear it."

The O'Sullivans have lived in their home for 33 years and are looking forward to having barbecues again.

Neighbour Ken Stevens said the noise had reduced 50 per cent.

But the residents' victory is not being celebrated at the gardens. Curator-manager Jack Hobbs said he and staff had "definitely noticed an increase" in noise with the wall gone.

Mr Hobbs said he assumed the noise would force parks environmental educators to abandon talking to school groups in the bus area nearest the motorway.

Noise consultant Christopher Day, who gave evidence for the council at the court hearing, was sceptical about residents' claims of relief.

He said his two measurements of noise at Hill Park sites since Wednesday suggested no change.

More tests were planned - at his expense.

"We are doing it on our own bat because we need to get to the bottom of this scientifically."