YouTube Star Sparks Noise Controversy in Sunshine Coast Hinterland
Mark Crossland has lived in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for 18 years. His home was once a tranquil place. That changed when a new neighbor, Sam Eyles, moved in next door. Eyles is a YouTube star with nearly 270,000 subscribers. He makes videos about building custom four-wheel drives and cars.
Crossland and his wife, Janet, now struggle with the noise coming from Eyles’ property. They can hear loud sounds like power tools, engine revving, and testing machinery from inside their home. Crossland claims they also experience chemical smells from Eyles’ activities. He voiced his frustration stating that everyone deserves a peaceful home after a hard day’s work.
Crossland complained to the local council but was informed that Eyles’ vehicle servicing and panel beating activities are allowed in the rural zone. Crossland believes Eyles operates a business that exceeds a typical home workshop. He is especially concerned about Eyles clearing a four-wheel-drive track along their property boundary for his monetized social media content.
How has YouTube fame impacted Mark Crossland’s personal life and peace of mind?
Interview with Mark Crossland: A Struggle for Peace Amidst YouTube Fame
Interviewer: Thank you for joining us, Mark. You’ve lived in the Sunshine Coast Hinterland for 18 years. Can you tell us what initially drew you to this area?
Mark Crossland: It was the tranquility and natural beauty that attracted us. We were looking for a peaceful place to call home, somewhere to unwind after long days at work. The Hinterland offered that perfect respite.
Interviewer: How has your experience changed since Sam Eyles moved in next door?
Mark Crossland: It’s been quite a shock. The peace we cherished has been replaced by constant noise and disruptions. Sam’s activities—whether it’s using power tools, revving engines, or testing machinery—are impacting our daily lives. It’s no longer a tranquil environment.
Interviewer: You mentioned chemical smells from Eyles’ property as well. Can you elaborate on that?
Mark Crossland: Yes, alongside the noise, there are often strong chemical odors that come from his activities. We’re not sure what exactly is being used, but it adds to our discomfort. We feel like we’re living next to an industrial site rather than a residential neighborhood.
Interviewer: Have you taken any steps to address this situation, and what has been the response?
Mark Crossland: I did reach out to the local council, hoping they would intervene. Unfortunately, they informed me that his vehicle servicing and panel beating activities are permissible in a rural zone. I can’t help but feel that he’s operating beyond what would be considered a typical home workshop.
Interviewer: You mentioned concerns over Eyles clearing a four-wheel-drive track along your property boundary. How does that relate to your concerns?
Mark Crossland: That’s particularly troubling for us. Not only does it change the landscape, but I believe that creating content for his social media by using our property as a backdrop is taking advantage of our situation. It feels invasive, and I worry about the implications for our property and well-being.
Interviewer: Eyles has asserted that the noise levels are acceptable and that they finish work by 5 PM, adhering to noise regulations. How do you respond to that?
Mark Crossland: I respect that he’s trying to follow the rules, but the impact on our quality of life is undeniable. If his activities are causing excessive noise and dust, I believe those should be managed like a business. Everyone deserves to come home to a peaceful environment after a long day.
Interviewer: What would you like to see happen moving forward?
Mark Crossland: I hope for an understanding and fair resolution. Rather than being caught in a residential versus business struggle, I want balance—an acknowledgment that our rights as homeowners should also be respected.
Interviewer: Thank you, Mark, for sharing your perspective. We hope that a resolution can be found for you and your family.
Mark Crossland: Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.
Crossland insists that if Eyles is causing excessive noise or dust, these issues should be managed like any other business. When asked about the noise, Eyles defended himself, saying the sound levels are acceptable and they finish work by 5 PM each day, adhering to noise regulations. He mentioned past police inquiries were due to standard activities, like cleaning a jet ski.