The Sporting Facility of Rowing SA is situated at West Lakes Shore within the City of Charles Sturt Council area.
Noise and Litter are governed by The Local Nuisance and Litter Control Act 2016 (the Act). The Act was developed to support and enhance local amenity values by strengthening local nuisance and litter management services within South Australian.
What is Local Nuisance?
Local nuisance is described in the Act as being any adverse impact on the amenity value of an area, which unreasonably interferes with, or is likely to unreasonably interfere with, the enjoyment of that area by people in that area.
Some common examples of activities that may be considered a local nuisance include:
- Dust and activity noise from development and construction sites.
- Noise emanating from fixed and non-fixed domestic machines such as air conditioner compressors, swimming pool pumps, lawnmowers, and power tools.
The rowing community must be mindful of the degree of potential local nuisance that can be generated by things such as excessive noise and Rowing SA has implemented requirements to reduce any negative impact to local residents by:
- Providing Safety Officers who monitor compliance issues.
- Outline to the rowing community to be mindful of noise.
- Ensure that no coaching occurs without a handheld radio to minimise noise to residents.
- Reminding coaches and members of their obligations to follow the guidelines and permit conditions provided by the council.
Part 3—Things that are not a local nuisance.
The Act identifies specific activities which are declared to not constitute local nuisance for the purposes of section 17(1), which includes:
(f) noise or other nuisance from sporting or associated activities at sporting venues.
Rowing SA acknowledges that whilst a general exclusion is in place under the Local Nuisance Act, we will continue to monitor compliance with the rules of our permit to ensure we maintain the highest standards and address any potential concerns that may arise.
Did you know?
If the lake water is smooth or calm, the sound waves generally skim the surface of the water and are reflected toward the observer in the boat, which may increase noise amplification. However, if the water is choppy, the sound is randomly reflected and makes no to little contribution to the amplitude of the sound.
Sound is generally amplified when it travels over water, because the water cools the air above its surface. Cool air slows down the sound waves near the surface, causing refraction or bending of the sound wave.
Sound waves skimming the surface of the water can add to the amplification effect if the water is calm.
It is important that organised rowing activities on the lake do not cause unreasonable negative impacts to local residents and a harmonious relationship between aquatic activities and local residents enjoyment of these unique facilities co-exists.
Expected Noise from Rowers
Effective communication between the coxswain and the rowers is critical for the safety and success of the crew. Spoken communication remains an integral part of their role - effective verbal coaching enhances the overall performance and safety of the crew.
Common Rowing Noise
Rowers make noise for several reasons, and its typically part of the effort and coordination involved in the sport. Rowers may encourage one another during training as it is a powerful way to build team spirit, motivation, and focus - training is generally undertaken to increase competition readiness.
Communication: In team rowing, rowers communicate with each other or with the coxswain (the person steering and giving commands). Shouts or calls may be used to keep timing, synchronize strokes, or give instructions.
Effort and Breathing: Rowing is an intense physical activity, and rowers often exhale forcefully or grunt as they exert themselves, especially during powerful strokes. This helps regulate their breathing and maintain rhythm.
Coxswain Commands: The coxswain may give loud commands to guide the team, including setting the stroke rate, keeping rowers focused, or motivating them during races.
Water and Equipment Noise: The sound of the oars moving through the water, the sliding of the rowers' seats, and the movement of the boat itself also contribute to the overall noise.
These noises are part of the dynamics of rowing and help ensure smooth coordination and maximum efficiency during a race or practice.
Rowing SA communicates regularly with our members to ensure that they are aware of impacts to local residents and that are required to minimise their noise and are aware of noise restrictions.
This includes:
- Ensuring the use of voice amplification devices, such as loudspeakers and PA systems, is only allowed in connection with major events, such as organised regattas, after 0900hrs.
- The use of voice amplification devices for general coaching purposes is prohibited.
- The use of 2-way radios, or similar devices, is necessary to communicate from the shoreline to crew members on water to minimise any noise disturbance.
- The use of voice amplification systems (e.g. coxbox system) is permitted from 0600 to 2000 hours, Monday to Saturday, and from 0700 to 2000 hours on Sundays (and public holidays).
To minimise noise disturbance to nearby residents, sound levels (from cox boxes) are set at the lowest effective level.
Rowing SA Action
Upon receiving a form, an automatic response will be provided to acknowledge receipt of the issue.
The document automatically records all details, including the date, time, and nature of the issue, as well as the resident’s contact information.
The issue is assessed, addressed and investigated and the parties involved, where identification is possible are contacted.
Should you have a concern that falls outside these guidelines, please continue to fill in the form below.
Please be aware, that if your concern falls outside of the Rowing SA management or jurisdiction, it will remain on record, without a follow up action from Rowing SA.