“The Noise Control Wall made this the quietest site I’ve ever worked on – the result was immediate and impressive, both inside and outside the work-zone. Beyond the sound performance, the professionalism and engineering behind the solution were second to none. It was a seamless integration into a highly sensitive site – I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend Control Hire and their Noise Control Wall for any project where noise and community impact are critical.”
— Jonathan de Vos, UEA Operations Manager, SMAP Project, Torquay VIC
Overview
As part of SUBCO’s landmark SMAP Project — a next-generation transcontinental submarine cable system connecting Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, and Perth — the Victorian coastal town of Torquay was selected as the strategic beach landing site. This marked the first subsea cable landing in Victoria, representing a monumental step in delivering high-speed digital infrastructure to the region.
To execute the terrestrial and marine civil works with precision and minimal impact, SUBCO and UEA were focused particularly on managing environmental and community concerns — especially construction noise in sensitive coastal and residential zones. Control Hire was brought in as the specialist partner to engineer and implement temporary noise mitigation strategies on-site.
The Solution
Control Hire worked closely with UEA’s infrastructure teams and SUBCO’s project leads to complete a 3D Noise Assessment Model as part of a Construction Noise & Vibration Management Plan (CNVMP) of the Voss Circuit and Elephant Walk sites. Recognising the proximity to residential properties and popular public areas, Control Hire’s Structural Engineers designed a comprehensive, multi-height Noise Control Wall tailored to the varying topography and construction requirements. This included engineering structural integrity compliance for wind speed specifications up to 37.44m/s (135km/hr) to Australian Standard:4687.1-2022 (Importance Level 2).
Their specialist environmental consulting team developed an integrated approach aligning with local EPA noise regulations, minimising community disruption while ensuring safe and efficient progress of the civil works.
As part of a complete end-to-end solution, Control Hire also deployed real-time Class-1 Noise Monitors and Vibration Monitors across the sites, with ongoing data capture, analysis and reporting to ensure compliance and support proactive engagement with key stakeholders.
Equipment & Gear
At the core of the noise mitigation plan was Control Hire’s industry-leading Noise Control Wall, designed and manufactured in Australia to deliver up to 85% sound absorption and an Rw of 27 dB(A) using eco-conscious materials. The deployed solution included:
- 711 x Noise Control Wall panels installed across a total length of 202 metres
- Customised heights ranging from 2.5m to 5m, addressing site-specific noise shielding
- 92 recyclable rubber feet and 194 concrete blocks for secure and environmentally sustainable anchoring
- Class-1 Noise Monitors
- Vibration Monitors
Control Hire’s qualified in-house team delivered and installed 86m @ 5m height in 3 days, and 116m @ 2.5m-4m height in 3 days providing full end-to-end service across both sites.
This collaboration exemplifies how specialist noise control engineering, when strategically deployed, can uphold environmental values, maintain community harmony, and ensure project momentum in sensitive regions.
For premium noise, dust, fume, and environmental hazard control solutions across Australia, contact us today!
