Intermodal terminal takes steps to reduce noise levels

Moorebank Intermodal Terminal say they have recently taken several steps to reduce noise from their operations after a monitoring program.

One of the steps was using container stacking to act as a noise barrier between the terminal and residents to the east of the precinct, including Wattle Grove.

Electric and automated cranes with quieter and smoother performance capabilities have now been commissioned and commenced operation.

All rail loading and container stacking is performed by the electric cranes with manual reach stackers now only required for truck loading, residents were told.

Quackers or broadband reversing alarms, which blend better into background noise, have now been fitted to all reach stackers and empty twin pick machines onsite.

Another measure was reminding drivers of noise management obligations.

 All intermodal tenants have been reminded of their noise management obligations, particularly at night.

Residents were also told that construction has started on warehouses six and seven on the south eastern corner of Moorebank Precinct East (MPE).

“Once complete, these warehouses will form a significant noise barrier to the Wattle Grove area.’’

Construction of the warehouses is expected to be complete in the first half of 2023.

The emailed response from Moorebank Logistics Park community relations follows a noise complaint lodged by Wattle Grove resident and intermodal activist Roy Carter on July 31.

 “We apologise for any disturbance you may have experienced and thank you for bringing it to our attention. We appreciate your patience while we worked through these issues with our Precinct stakeholders,’’ the email said.

Mr Carter was told that “additional noise monitoring’’ had formed part of the investigation into his noise complaint.

“Noise monitoring took place at four different locations in Wattle Grove over a night time period to capture certain site operating conditions, such as train arrivals and a range of container handling operations.

“The locations of the monitoring were chosen to represent the potentially most affected areas within Wattle Grove.

“The monitoring in Wattle Grove was also supported by additional monitoring to the west of Moorebank Intermodal in Glenfield Farm and Casula.

“Following the monitoring, the data was then analysed by suitable experts and further attended monitoring will now be undertaken to ensure ongoing compliance.’’