Port Melbourne Residents Battle Hoon Night Noise
Persistent disruptions from hoons have left Port Melbourne residents feeling trapped and powerless in their own homes.
Residents of Port Melbourne have reported persistent noise and dangerous driving by motorcyclists and car drivers, known as hoons, gathering in the area at night. John Wickham was assaulted after confronting a group; his wife Tammy Lindrum said residents feel trapped by the noise. Marion Sitter and Heather Brown described feeling powerless.
"Residents feel trapped by the noise."
The Beacon Cove Neighbourhood Association, led by Tim Norman, has organized petitions, meetings, and discussions with police and council. Social media events for car meets are regularly posted, with some participants ignoring rules against hooning.
New Technology to Fight Noise Pollution
In April 2026, former environment minister Steve Dimopoulos announced a $1.3 million trial of roadside acoustic cameras to detect excessive vehicle noise. A Victoria Police spokeswoman stated that road policing in Port Melbourne is a priority and officers patrol known hotspots.
The EPA reported that noise reports nearly doubled from 5,405 in 2020-21 to 9,100 in the past year. The camera trial is expected to begin in the coming months, with locations to be determined in consultation with police and councils.