Wollongong has become the focus of Australia’s first noise camera trial, designed to address vehicle noise pollution and anti-social driving behavior, but Kiama residents believe their town faces similar issues.

The Minns Labor Government announced the installation of the SoundVue Noise Camera System in Wollongong and Bayside, Sydney, as part of a 12-month trial concluding in December 2025. The trial comes in response to complaints about excessively noisy vehicles disrupting residential areas.

Kiama locals have voiced concerns that their own streets, particularly along tourist-heavy routes, suffer from the same disturbances, often amplified during weekend drives by modified cars and motorbikes.

"While this trial is a welcome step, the issue doesn’t stop at Wollongong,” said a Kiama resident. “Our community deserves similar attention and solutions to deal with these disruptions.”

The SoundVue system, provided by UK-based Intelligent Instruments, uses advanced audio and video technology to capture and monitor roadside noise. While fines will not be issued during the trial, data collected will determine if the technology can be used to enforce noise regulations in the future.

The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) collaborated with community members and technical experts to select Wollongong’s trial site. However, Kiama locals feel overlooked in the decision-making process.

Member for Wollongong Paul Scully emphasised that the trial targets anti-social driving, not law-abiding car enthusiasts. "This is about those who exceed legal noise limits, not punishing motor enthusiasts who comply with the law," he said.

As Wollongong leads the way, Kiama residents hope their voices will soon be heard, advocating for an extension of the program to tackle vehicle noise pollution in their town.

Residents are encouraged to share their concerns with local representatives to push for Kiama’s inclusion in future initiatives.