TPC hears from acoustic expert, recommending Macquarie Point limit lower than similar stadium

Maximum noise limits for concerts and sporting events at the Macquarie Point stadium are lower than those approved for a similar-sized New Zealand arena, the Tasmanian Planning Commission has been told.

Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra (TSO). Picture: Supplied

Maximum external noise limits proposed for concerts and sporting events at the Macquarie Point stadium are lower than those approved for a similar-sized New Zealand arena being built just 15m from a hotel, the Tasmanian Planning Commission has been told.

Appearing on the sixth day of Project of State Significance public hearing, acoustics expert Dr Neil McKenzie told the TPC panel he had used industry-leading noise management guidelines – developed in the UK at indoor concerts and outdoor events such as the Glastonbury Festival – to recommend an upper limit of 75 “A-weighted” decibels for Hobart’s new entertainment venue.

Macquarie Point Stadium concept design. Picture: MPDC

Dr McKenzie said the 25,000-seat Canterbury multi-use arena, currently under construction in Christchurch and which included a roofed design similar to that of the Mac Point proposal, had been allocated an 80dBA limit despite being located closer to existing infrastructure.

“At Canterbury … there was a hotel adjacent to the arena on the west side, and that was 15m to 20m away,” Dr McKenzie said.

“In Hobart, the edge of the stadium to the facade of the Evans St properties is something in the order of 40m.

“We think these are reasonable external noise limits, based on the building’s envelope and the performance of the stadium”.

Dr McKenzie also addressed the expected noise generated throughout the stadium’s construction period, particularly during the necessary rock-breaking stage of operations.

New renders of the proposed Macquarie Point stadium, home of the Tasmanian Devils. Provided May 26, 2025.

The acoustics expert said although an AECOM report predicted noises of up to 120dBA from rock-breakers at the Mac Point site, he indicated quieter machinery options were available to the construction industry, while other noise-mitigation measures could also be utilised.

The AECOM report also predicted noise levels from worst-case locations, including at the Zero Davey apartments, and without any mitigation measure, Dr McKenzie said.

“Ordinarily, you would have hoardings along that street that would protect noise emissions from rock-breaking activity adjacent to the apartments,” he told the panel.

“Given the sensitivity of those apartments, and of UTAS as well, you would choose a rock breaker that had a lower power level, and if necessary, you will put a shroud around the rock breaker as it’s impacting the rock.

“So while AECOM’s predicted noise levels might sound alarming, that was the worst case without any mitigation, and without any consultation.

“And it should not be assumed that rock-breaking activity would occur for 18 months.”

Earlier, the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra launched a successful bid to be excused from giving evidence to the Commission, after government barrister, Christopher Townshend KC, informed the panel of a deal for the TSO to receive $4.45m for acoustic improvements at its nearby performance venue.

The Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra Chorus performs Handel's Messiah in the Federation Concert Hall in Hobart. Picture Caleb Miller/TSO

Mr Townshend said that the agreement struck between the TSO, Stadiums Tasmania, the Macquarie Point Development Corporation, and the Crown, related to mitigation works planned for the Federation Concert Hall.

TSO lawyers told the panel that despite the deal, discussions remained ongoing regarding the appropriate scheduling of concerts and AFL games at the stadium to avoid clashes with major orchestra events.

The public hearings continue on Thursday.

Originally published as TPC hears from acoustic expert, recommending Macquarie Point limit lower than similar stadium