Reference Document - Acoustic Assessment 132007.2446.05

Flashpackers Noosa
Environmental Noise Level Impact Assessment for Proposed Addition of Second Floor to Block C and
Associated Increase to Bed Numbers for Flashpackers, 102 and 106 Pacific Avenue, Sunshine Beach            Page 1 of 29




INTRODUCTION

David Moore & Associates Pty Ltd originally completed, in 2018, a noise impact assessment for the
existing backpacker accommodation (Visitor Accommodation Type 4 - Hostel) premises located at 102
Pacific Avenue, Sunshine Beach, to be expanded onto the adjoining residential property at 106 Pacific
Avenue, Sunshine Beach. Noosa Council subsequently approved this expansion of the backpacker
accommodation – Council Decision Notice reference 132007.2446.03. At this time Flashpackers had
69 approved beds across 102 and 106 Pacific Avenue, Sunshine Beach. Whilst this approval only
required a partial 1.8 metre high acoustic barrier on the north-western boundary, the as constructed
acoustic barrier extends all of the way to terminate adjacent to the western corner of Block C.

In 2020 David Moore & Associates Pty Ltd completed a further noise impact assessment report to
increase the number of beds within this backpacker accommodation by eleven (11), from 69 plus
manager to 80 plus manager, without making any changes to the overall size of the two buildings.
There were some internal room reconfiguration to achieve this increase in the number of guests, but
there were no changes to any part of the external shell of the buildings, windows, doors, etc. These
proposed changes never proceeded.

The existing Block A and Block B are two storey and Block C is single storey. It is now proposed to
add a second level to Block C, which will result in an additional maximum of 24 beds, but the existing
configuration of beds in dorms will be reduced, so that at any one time there will never be more than
80 beds. There will also be one additional carparking space. This current proposal was forwarded by
Noosa Council to their acoustic consultant, who provided the following preliminary comments:

    •    the location of any external air conditioning compressors;
    •    incidental noise generated by the proposed upper level;
    •    new carpark location and any impacts; and
    •    proximity of new stair/external access walkways etc to the new dorm area and neighbouring
         properties would need to be understood and any potential impacts mitigated.

As a result of the above Council requested that an acoustic consultant review the proposal and
provide an assessment. In responding to the above comments, this report relies upon the previous
reports which we have prepared with respect to existing ambient noise levels, background sound
levels, noise limits, source noise levels, noise impact and noise control measures for the existing 69
bed backpacker accommodation, together with manufacturer noise data for the new air conditioning
units and the P J concepts and designs plans and elevations for the proposed amended layout for
Flashpackers.

All of the current noise control measures will remain in place, namely the 1.8m high acoustic barrier on
the rear (north-eastern) boundary of 106 Pacific Avenue and the 1.8 m high acoustic barrier on the
north-western boundary, from the northern corner to adjacent to the western corner of Block C.

This report has been prepared to assess any potential increase in noise impact to the adjoining
residential. The noise limit criteria has been based on the same criteria used for the 2018 report,
namely the noise limits contained in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Policy 2008 and the
adopted background sound levels based on the results of the 2009 ambient noise assessments,
together with a further 7-day ambient noise assessment in September 2018. The predominant noise
source in this area is traffic on Pacific Avenue, which is a direct link between the David Low Way and
Noosa Heads and carries a significant volume of traffic, together with the natural sounds of birds, wind
in the vegetation, domestic activities, etc. The September 2018 background sound levels were
specifically assessed adjacent to the closest adjoining residences, which are to the immediate north-
east of the subject site.




David Moore & Associates Pty Ltd                                         Our reference: R25048/D3966/Rev.draft/23.05.25