A big noise over a big build for Port Douglas
Construction Concerns
Noise is being made in Port Douglas tourist accommodation circles about noise being made by construction works, Silkari Pavilions raising issues with tradesmen for Northern Building and Construction pushing their patience and allegedly operating outside of permitted guidelines on their Warner Street project.
Silkari management has written directly to the local construction company to seek support to control “loud music, unprofessional language, and overall lack of site management’’.
Locally born Northern Building and Construction director Will Verri said, while sympathetic to the issues stemming from the build, there is a limit to how he can control the behaviour of individual tradesmen who, while likely inappropriate, have worked within the rules.
He was in touch with Silkari manager Shannon Deas directly again on Tuesday trying to manage a complaint.
And while Douglas Shire Council has made it clear that building works creating audible noise is permitted only between 6.30am and 6.30pm on business days and Saturdays, a spokesperson also said it has received no formal complaint with regards to the Northern Building and Construction project.
“Under the Environmental Protection Act 1994, building work that generates audible noise is permitted only between 6.30am and 6.30pm on business days and Saturdays,’’ a council spokesperson said.
“Council has not received any formal complaints regarding noise from this site to date.
"However, we encourage community members to report any concerns if work occurs outside these hours.
“Complaints can be lodged online, by phone, or in person, and help us follow up with the builder to ensure compliance.”
In a direct letter to Northern Building and Construction, Ms Deas echoed the sentiment of other tourist accommodation venues in central Port Douglas, saying she wanted to address “the ongoing construction at the rear of the Pavilions in Port Douglas and the continued negative impact it has had on our business’’.
“Over the past 18 months, we have tolerated extensive noise, unsightly construction views, a continuous stream of tradesmen, and general disturbances, all with minimal formal complaints from our side, despite the very real damage being done to our guest experience and business reputation.
“I should not have to explain to you that scaffolding and workers positioned barely a metre away from guest balconies with loud music and inappropriate language is completely unacceptable and has understandably led to guests cutting their holidays short.
“I fully understand that progress requires construction, and with that comes an expected level of noise, visual disruption, and general inconvenience, particularly in a shared space such as this.
"However, what has unfolded goes far beyond what could reasonably be expected or considered acceptable.
“From the outset, all I have asked for is clear, consistent communication, particularly around high-impact work during our high season such as concrete jackhammering at 6am (which continued for months), the use of heavy machinery, or the presence of contractors who behave inappropriately on-site.
“What's most disappointing is the ongoing disregard for the hotel environment. The loud music, unprofessional language, and overall lack of site management are not only disruptive, but they're also unacceptable.
“I have spent an unreasonable amount of time personally calling, texting, and speaking directly to your contractors to get things under control. That is not my job, nor should it ever be necessary.’’
“The long-term impact of this construction on Pavilions will be felt well after your work is complete. The absence of professionalism and consideration shown throughout this build has been, quite frankly, appalling.’’
Mr Verri said he and his site managers had worked hard to mitigate issues, putting in place guides for trades, including even where they could put their radios and how loud they could play them, cautioning them on language and other poor behaviour.
“We are trying so hard and had so much pushback… what people could try to understand is that we are the builder, we didn’t design the building or its placement,’’ he said.
“I have my onsite representative on site every day managing issues and it is not just noise but dust mitigation and other things raised.
“I do feel for those impacted, of course, but there is only so much you can do.
"We can tell them to do the right thing, we cannot always make them and it has at times been a very stressful situation for my people dealing with contractors.’’
DSC added to its statement that it recognises the importance of tourism and hospitality to our region. The approach regarding noise standards was that they are designed not to halt development, but to manage its impacts - ensuring construction can proceed while protecting community wellbeing.
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