Construction can sometimes be disruptive. We carefully manage noise and vibration to reduce impacts on the community, nearby properties and the environment.
We are committed to minimising the effects of construction on what you see, hear and experience while we work.
Our commitment
- We manage noise and vibration to reduce how construction affects nearby homes, businesses and the environment.
- We meet strict noise and vibration targets set by relevant authorities and standards.
- We monitor noise and vibration in key locations during construction.
- We stop works well before there is any risk of structural damage to properties.
Managing construction noise
- If you live close to our work, you may notice more noise at times.
- Construction noise depends on the type of work we’re doing. You may hear heavy machinery, such as excavators, trucks, generators or power tools.
- Before we start, we may complete noise and vibration predictions to determine the level of impact to nearby homes and businesses. This allows us to plan our works in a way that minimises disruptions to residents and businesses.
- We also measure noise levels before construction begins. We use this as a baseline to compare noise during construction and to help us identify and manage any excessive noise.
Understanding vibration
If you live or work near a construction site, you may occasionally feel vibration during certain activities.
- Vibration that can be felt is usually well below levels that could cause damage to nearby homes, buildings and properties.
- Feeling vibration does not mean damage is occurring.
- Different people may notice vibration differently, depending on location and building type.
- Vibration is more likely to occur during specific activities such as excavation, piling, or demolition activities. These activities are typically short-term and carefully managed to minimise impacts.
Managing vibration
Before works start, we:
- assess vibration-producing equipment and activities to determine whether vibration levels are likely to affect nearby residential or commercial buildings
- select construction methods that reduce ground vibration wherever possible and which will not cause damage to adjacent structures.
During construction, we:
- monitor vibration levels in key locations to ensure they remain within safe limits
- review and adjust construction methods if needed
- add extra controls if monitoring shows increased vibration
- store and operate construction equipment appropriately
- position generators, equipment and site compounds away from nearby properties where practical.
If you contact us about vibration, we will:
- provide information about the works taking place
- review monitoring locations and monitoring data
- assess whether changes can be made to reduce your discomfort.
Property condition surveys
To help protect property owners and provide peace of mind, we offer cost-free property condition surveys for eligible homes and businesses near our works.
- Surveys are carried out by qualified, independent specialists.
- They record the condition of a property before construction starts (or at a later agreed time).
- They provide a reference record in the unlikely event of unintentional property damage.
- Property condition surveys have been used across Victoria for many years on major infrastructure projects.
- If you have received a letter inviting you to take part in a survey, please contact us to organise the inspection. If you are not the property owner, please pass the letter on to the owner or property manager.
- you believe you may be eligible but you haven’t received a letter, contact us on 1800 105 105.
After construction
- We undertake post-construction property condition assessments where required.
- If any changes to the condition of the property are identified, we will explain the next steps in determining whether those changes are due to construction works and the property damage claims process.
- Please note that it is common for cosmetic cracking to occur in recently built houses, therefore such cosmetic cracking is not usually due to external factors such as adjacent construction.