Setting noise objectives for outdoor events at the Sydney Opera House
Abstract
Unwanted music from outdoor events is considered a form of noise pollution which presents a unique set of challenges for regulators when compared to other environmental noise sources. Unlike noise generated by sources such as transport or industry where lower levels are always desirable, there is a minimum level of mu-sic below which patron experience will be unacceptable. The challenge for regulators therefore lies in balancing the need for entertainment against the impacts of outdoor music on the surrounding population. Regulators and venue operators of outdoor music events in urban environments are also often required to comply with receiver based noise limits in noise catchments complicated by high levels of extraneous noise from ferries, trains, traffic, pedestrians, restaurants and the like. With this in mind, this paper describes the approach undertaken to review and contemporise the noise criteria for outdoor events held on the steps and forecourt of the Sydney Opera House by adopting Front of House (i.e. at the source) limits rather than receiver based noise objectives.