About
The Waverton Wollstonecraft Rail Noise Action Group (WWRNAG) is an informal group of residents affected by rail noise. The noise we suffer is far above the licence limits set by the NSW Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) and over 250 times higher than the World Health Organisation Limits for the protection of health.
We live next to the tightest bends in the Sydney Rail Network in one of the highest density residential areas in Sydney. The individual tracks here have more traffic than any other single line in the network, and the trains make more noise.
In fact, the EPA has rated our area as the worst rail noise affected area in the suburban network.
We have been active in addressing a wide range of rail noise issues for over 10 years and you can follow this link to see some of what we have achieved already.
Update on progress December 2025
Hi! This is a pre Christmas update on the noise mitigation works proposed for between Waverton and Wollstonecraft and beyond.
ELPA Lubrication
I posted on our website and Facebook page back in August 2025 an email from Radek Kochanowsi the noise specialist for Sydney Trains. At that time contractual arrangements were still being negotiated to undertake trials of the ELPA lubrication product to reduce noise.
- Initial Laboratory testing of existing rail grease and ELPA product – managed by Melvelle Equipment Corp
- Samples of existing rail grease used on Sydney Trains network have been provided and Sydney Trains and have been tested.
- On-track brake safety tests – Sydney Trains to carry out - timing below
- Noise performance trials – combined Sydney Trains/ELPA - will be undertaken after the breaking test
The brake safety tests were planned for the end of November, 2025.
An email from Radek Kochanowsi on 15 December confirmed that a commercial agreement has been signed, but the there has been a logistical issue at the ELPA end which has delayed the installation of the ELPA units for the breaking test. The units will be installed for the test on the weekend of 20/21 December and the tests themselves to be carried out in February 2026.
The noise performance trials in the Wollstonecraft / Waverton area will be undertaken after that date.
Low Height Noise Barrier Feasibility Study
Following the completion of key rectification works, in 2024 the EPA engaged an independent rail noise consultant to review the outcomes and provide a foundation for the next steps forward. This review recommended that the option of low-height noise barriers be considered as an interim step, while other longer-term strategies are explored. The EPA has implemented this recommendation, requiring Sydney Trains to conduct a feasibility study of options for low-height noise barriers, including noise monitoring to measure effectiveness. This study will be used to determine the next steps forward.
Sydney Trains recently sought an extension to complete the feasibility study due to unforeseen delays and operational changes. An extension was approved by the EPA until 30 January 2026. This extension was formalised via a variation to Sydney Trains' Environment Protection Licence, which can be viewed on the EPA's Public Register. I understand that budget has been approved and allocated internally in Sydney Trains.
So that is the latest position on the efforts by EPA and Sydney Trains to manage the noise in our area. Everything moves slowly, but it is moving.
Brian