Tuesday, October 05, 2004

Noise complaints justified

A reader posted this fair comment underneath the first noise story below. There are other comments worth a look in that conversation, too.

'I am one of the noise complainants and a resident in Kings Cross, so I feel compelled to defend myself against the editors' comments.

'Right up front, let's establish that I am not an elderly spinster who is being disturbed reading the bible or a 'delicate soul'. I am a long time resident who works from a home office and can be objective about the noise levels in Darlinghurst Rd.
There are only 2 consistent objections I have against noise in the Kings Cross area.

'Strip Clubs - These clubs are pumping out music from external speakers for almost 18 hours a day into public airspace. This is against Council regulations in the City of Sydney. They are not live music venues but are trying to attract punters into the clubs.
Spruikers - The strip club spruikers yell from 9.00 p.m. till sometimes 06.00 a.m. in the morning, 7 days a week. This yelling has no real purpose but again to attract punters into the clubs. Most of the time they seem to be yelling at each other in conversation across Darlinghurst Rd or at the street sex workers.

'I do not have a problem with nightclubs or live music venues as that would be hypocritical as I frequent these venues. You will find that these venues are not the problem as most of them comply to licensing regulations, i.e. Bourbon, Vegas, DragonFly. Mostly, they contain the music within the venue, have security who attempt to control the noise levels of the clubbers waiting to get in and respect residents.

'The same cannot be said for the strip clubs as some of them are not licensed and are not governed by any licensing regulations. Moreover, their spruikers are supposedly self regulated, which means nothing.
Added to the roadwork noise which commences at 07.00 a.m. 6 days a week and you have a fairly intolerable situation for almost 24 hours a day 7 days a week.

'I have tried everything to block out noise and resent being accused of being a wowser. Earplugs are useless and I don't see why I should have to pay $1,000's to double glaze windows. I also don't see why residents should have to consider relocating to satisfy a few dodgy strip club operators, who seem to believe that they operate under their own rules without consideration to anyone else.

'I want Kings Cross to remain a place where people can come and listen to live music, party late and have a good time. The strip clubs and their spruikers contribute nothing towards enhancing this atmosphere.
I do not ever expect or want Kings Cross to be silent - that is a ridiculous concept, but is it really too much to expect that venues contain their noise within the walls of the venue, even if it is just after midnight ?'

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