• Common sense approach over proposed WA noise guidance
• Environment Minister intervenes and responds to community feedback
• The impact of noise will be considered on a case-by-case basis

Environment Minister Reece Whitby has listened to community concerns and scrapped proposed guidelines that could impact new basketball courts being built close to homes.

The Department of Water and Environmental Regulation had been preparing noise guidelines to help local governments choose appropriate locations in public open spaces.

The draft guidance was not going to be mandatory or apply retrospectively. It also was not going to require local governments to remove existing basketball courts that may be within the recommended minimum separation distances. 

The Minister has responded to the feedback. He expects local governments will continue to manage existing facilities as they have for many years. Should a complaint be received about the impact of noise, it will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Comments attributed to Environment Minister Reece Whitby:

"I've listened to the concerns from the community and we want to ensure we have a sensible approach.

"Western Australians love being outdoors and enjoy exercising in our public open spaces. It's important that culture continues.

"Residents are encouraged to report any excessive noisy behaviour to the appropriate local authority to be considered on a case-by-case basis."

Minister's office - 6552 6300