Demolition works on Walsh Street in Milton have prompted several complaints from nearby residents, with concerns raised about dust, noise, and vibrations affecting neighbouring apartments and businesses.
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The demolition is taking place at 20 Walsh St, where residents have reported dust spilling into neighbouring apartments and businesses, along with intense vibrations from the works.
Cr Seal Chong Wah said their office escalated the complaints to Brisbane City’s Building and Construction Management Team after receiving reports about conditions around the site.
City compliance officers subsequently attended the site to assess the concerns. According to Cr Chong Wah, the officers said they were satisfied that the builders were using measures intended to reduce impacts on surrounding areas. These included water cannons and other water suppression systems, site spotters, and devices measuring dust and vibration levels.
More compliance checks planned
Cr Chong Wah has asked for another compliance check. They also said Brisbane officials would review data collected by the builder’s dust and vibration measurement devices. Cr Chong Wah also asked for the complaint to be referred to BCC’s Environmental Health team, after being told the compliance team did not have its own dust measurement devices.
BCC said it investigates complaints involving building work, including noise from demolition, and accepts reports about dust from construction and earthmoving activities. Residents making noise complaints can provide details including the date, time, duration and source of the issue, with evidence such as recordings or photographs where available. BCC also recommends keeping an environmental nuisance diary for ongoing noise problems.
The site has been subject to several development applications. BCC records show an application for building work and a material change of use at 20 Walsh St was approved in 2016, while a later application for the site was approved in 2022.
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A 2024 development report described a revised 25-storey, 349-unit proposal for the site, including a change from build-to-sell to build-to-rent. The proposal also included communal areas, a gym and wellness facilities, a pool and rooftop landscaping.
Cr Chong Wah said the builders were planning to complete above-ground demolition works in the first week of October, with the bulk of the noise and dust expected to finish around then. Residents experiencing further problems can report them to Brisbane’s 24/7 Hotline on 07 3403 8888. Cr Chong Wah has also asked residents to forward their complaint reference numbers so their office can escalate reported issues with BCC’s compliance team.
Published 29-September-2026
