Botanic Gardens Trust, Sydney, Australia

Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW

Community consultation comments

Respondent identified pros and cons of Noisewall options

 

Option 1: Transparent

Pros

Comments

A solid wall will reduce the likelihood of the Expressway ever being moved underground because the ‘problem’ will be hidden from view.

The Trust views the visual impact of the expressway as significantly as the noise impact.  It is seeking a way to ‘hide’ the traffic while retaining the park to garden connection, as the cost of moving the Cahill Expressway underground makes this option unlikely.

Does not introduce a new ‘solid’ structure into the Domain 

It still introduces a new structural element.  Sandstone will complement existing elements (eg. Art Gallery, Library, statue bases)

Cons

Comments

Risk for birds 

Probably true

Grime adheres easily 

Agreed

Sound reflection into audience from concerts would be higher 

Responses from event organisers (eg. Carols, Symphony) support this view.

Reflection of sound would create noise issues for Sydney Hospital, possibly resulting in having to reduce sound levels – lead to lessening of audience experience 

Suggestion from concert presenter: EPA criteria for sound levels at hospital could be re-evaluated if this option chosen.
Sufficient vegetation planted in front of the wall would help reduce problems

Doesn’t block visibility of ugly road and traffic 

Agreed

If made from polycarbonate rather than glass, higher risk it will degrade from the sun.

Architect and RTA recommend glass

 

Option 2: Combination concrete and transparent

Pros

Comments

Secures the privacy of the Domain but allows passengers in cars to see into the Domain 

Opaque soundwalls are part of modern day motorways and should be available to our park users.  The walls will be covered in creepers on the expressway side and vegetation above them will be clearly visible.

Cons

Comments

Issues with transparent sections as above 

See above

Unattractive mix of elements and a ‘camel’ solution 

Agreed

Issues with opaque sections as below 

See below

 

Option 3: Sandstone

Pros

Comments

Dirt does not affect as badly 

Agreed

View of cars would be eliminated 

Agreed

Provide greatest sound & visual benefit to Domain users 

Agreed

Rough surface creates less impact on audio quality of concerts 

Advice from events organisers support this view

More in keeping with the atmosphere of the Domain 

Doesn’t introduce new ‘material’ into the Domain

Cons 

Comments

Higher risk of graffiti 

Graffiti has not been a problem elsewhere in this area.  Also, the Domain side is rough sandstone and the expressway is to be covered in creeper

Would look bulky and uninteresting over such a length 

Architects recommend this design

Not fit in with the surrounds as too far from the Art Gallery & State Library to be identified as part of a coherent scheme 

Disagree

Would detract from green vista from both sides of the road, and ruin ambience for drivers 

Drivers have only a few seconds to appreciate the view, so should concentrate on complex lane changing in this stretch.  Also, tree canopies and median strip will retain park feel.

Breaks only surviving link between RBG & Domain – visual link 

Already broken by expressway and vehicles

Wall would need to be more than 4 m high to achieve lower noise levels 

2.5 metre wall results in 1/4 reduction in perceived sound and, with visual blocking of cars, will improve ambience.

 

Option 4: No Wall

Pros

Comments

Walls would be intrusive & unnecessary 

See above

Openness would be destroyed by other options 

Expressway does this – we are rectifying as best we can

Only option to retain relationship between Domain & Gardens  

Disagree. Canopies and plantings, with wall, will enhance the link

Road does not pose a deterrent for people to use Domain, as is evident by the high numbers that currently do

We wish to improve the area for our users. This is a site of great importance that has been made unsightly and unpleasant by the expressway

Cons

Comments

Something is necessary to block to the sound and cars from view 

See above
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