Investigative Journalism and Learning Hub - Waratah Strata Management Ignored Complaint About Excessive Noise During SP52948 Lot 157 Renovations for Four Days on 7 January 2021

For the record.

Today, Friday, 8 January 2021, jack-hammering noise, albeit not as loud as in previous days, continued.

Noise inside Lot 158 has been recording as evidence.

One more item that was accidentally forgotten to be mentioned: yesterday, whilst walking on fire stairs in Block A, strong foul smell of sewage was present. It disappeared in later part of the day.

Good afternoon,

Lot 157 is undergoing bathroom renovations during January 2021.

Whilst it is good to see owners taking care of their property, other owners should not be disadvantaged by such an event.

In this specific case, SP52948 By-Law 1 applies ("Noise").

In spite of official notices on elevator and notice board in Block A, noise from Lot 157 during their renovations are now in the fourth day (notice claims only first three days).

In addition to the extended period of noise pollution, tenants in Block A (and even below the building in the basement) are exposed to significant disruptions due to it.

Although the notice mentions renovations of two bathrooms only, it appears Lot 157 is also renovating the laundry.

Possibly the worst affected units are those sharing walls with Lot 157 with children:

• Directly above Lot 157 is a family with three young children (Lot 163),
  
• Next to Lot 157 is a family with three young children (Lot 152).
  

There are good alternatives for concrete demolition without the noise, dust, or vibration. One of them is:

https://www.amazon.com.au/Dexpan-Demolition-Excavating-Alternative-Jackhammer/dp/B000BRQ9A2

Video and photo evidence has been collected about the noise. Just today, when noise levels are lower than in previous days, on level 2 inside Lot 158 bedroom the jackhammer actions created noise between 70 and 87 Decibels (dB). In general, sounds above 85 dB are harmful, depending on how long and how often one is exposed to them and whether one wears hearing protection.

Lot 158 tenants experienced all of the following due to jackhammer noise (and possibly owners in other units):

• Difficulty talking or hearing others talk over the sound (especially during video conferences for work-related meetings).
• Walls inside the unit literally vibrated for prolonged periods.
  
• Sound made ears hurt.
• Ears ringing after hearing the sound.
• Other sounds seem muffled after leaving Block A.

Please ensure that compliance with SP52948 By-Laws applies to all owners and that proper renovation practices are enforced.

Regards,