Highway disrupts rural peace

A group of Karnup residents who have had their tranquil rural lifestyles shattered by traffic noise from Forrest Highway have called for the State Government to take action.

Warnbro MLA Paul Papalia and Opposition Transport spokesman Ken Travers visited the residents last week to discuss the impact the noise was having on their lives.

The Amarillo Drive residents said they were not informed of any negative impacts the road’s construction would have on their homes and were told any noise would be minimal.

‘‘They (Southern Gateway Alliance) absolutely assured us there would not be a problem,’’ Zoe Hughes said.

Mrs Hughes, who has tied insulation batts to her bedroom window in an attempt to reduce the noise, said the highway had deprived her of a ‘‘normal lifestyle’’ and the peace and quiet that once came with her special rural zoned home.

‘‘There is no recovery time here any more — it’s very depressing, it’s very stressful,’’ she said.

‘‘We were misinformed — if we knew the truth about the issue, it wouldn’t have got through without a fight.’’

She said residents had been corresponding with the alliance and Main Roads for the past 18 months with very little result.

‘‘They’ve been very dismissive,’’ she said.

Residents Ann De Souza, Robyn Burton and Liz and Kevin Burrows also voiced their concerns, which included the height of the wall erected to help deflect the traffic noise.

‘‘It’s not even 2m (high), it should be at least 4m,’’ Ms De Souza said.

Research conducted by the residents found that noise could be reduced by liminating the line of sight, which was a concept that Mr Travers agreed with.

‘‘If you can see traffic you can hear it,’’ he said.

MrTravers said the issue was one for the State Government to address and Mr Papalia said he had written to Transport Minister Troy Buswell calling on him, or a ministerial representative, to meet with the residents and hear their grievances first-hand.

‘‘They should be down here listening to us,’’ Mrs Hughes said.

‘‘We want something done,’’ Ms De Souza said.