By Kirra Livingstone
FORMAL complaints about noise from rock breaking at The Enclave development in Maleny have been lodged with Division 5 Councillor Winston Johnston.
As reported last week the noise, caused by workers breaking basalt rock to level the land for The Enclave; a 74-lot development by RM Developments – has become a daily disruption for locals, with some residents saying they are driven to tears.
The estate spans Cudgerie Street, Dunlop Way, and Barrett Street and is being built over a number of stages.
Resident Wendy Gleeson said she lived 1 kilometre away from the development with the noise disrupting Saturdays as well as weekdays.
“As a community member who works throughout the week, weekend disruptions impact our quality of life,” she wrote to Cr Johnston.
“Where is the consideration for residents needing a break from the incessant noise of this development when developers’ deadlines are prioritised?”
RM Developments did not respond to repeated requests for comment in relation to the forecast timeframe of the rock breaking.
Questions asked included how long do they expect the rock breaking activity to continue and if they were considering any noise mitigation measures.
The issue has resulted in extensive commentary from readers.
“Wait until all the new residents decide to get pools. Then you get another 74 rounds of rock breaking,” one reader wrote on Facebook.
Another questioned why the land needed to be flattened at all.
“Previous generations had the decency to build on slopes or on poles,” Danny Rose said.
“Why is it necessary to flatten the entire estate?
“Obviously to fit as many houses as possible.”
Frances Harper commented, and noted people shouldn’t have to listen to the rock breaking just because it will eventually stop.
Others argued that ‘nimbyism’ appeared prevalent over the issue and the rock breaking was required for many developments in the area given the formation of surface-level rock in the hinterland town.
“I’m sick of people complaining you got a house let someone else have one you moved in their knowing it was going to have more houses around you,” Donna wrote.
“Did the construction of your houses not make any noise when they were built? Boomers,” Mitchell added.
kirra@gcnews.com.au