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Article
NZ, Elegant solution to port noise problem
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17/jun/2006 |
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Louis Pierard |
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http://www.hbtoday.co.nz |
EDITORIAL from HBTODAY New Zealand: Silent cheer for settling noise dispute
17.06.2006
Louis Pierard
It seems one could not have asked for a more elegant solution than that provided by the Napier City Council planning department to end the dispute over noise from the port.
Along with the port's growth in the past two decades has been a steady increase in the sounds of industry, round the clock, that has angered the port's residential neighbours - both established residents and new arrivals.
By adopting the New Zealand Standard, after a marathon hearing to consider noise problems, the Napier City Council has brought satisfaction to both sides of the protracted dispute.
Port chief executive Garth Cowie said having to submit to the standard, which strikes a balance between the importance of vital industry and the rights of residents, was fair. The port's neighbours are also pleased.
With commendable equanimity, a long-time and close neighbour of the port, Bruce Wilton, said that though he would like to have seen more done for residents, the economy of the port - and of the region as whole - needed to be considered.
Port noise has been an issue in which temperatures on both sides have flared. Such disputes are inclined to result in acrimony, extremism and deeply entrenched positions, but with enviable skill the council has achieved peace and for ending the rancour it deserves congratulation.
The council has drafted three extensions to the standard: In the event of the port attracting larger ships it would be obliged to fund acoustic insulation for the most affected residents.
The council has also taken control of setting conditions for the building of new houses in the noise zone, instead of consent being required from the port company.
The container repair shed operation, identified by residents as the source of most of the noise problems, is to be excluded from the standards and measured as any other industrial activity.
The agreement brings the promise of a regime of mutual understanding. There are bound to be grizzles along the way - bouts of excessive noise or unrealistic expectations made of a busy port - but at least there is now a clear framework that should allow the voice of moderation to prevail.
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