THIS is the wall of grey which residents of Wolloomooloo and Potts Point now wake up to — that’s if they’ve managed to get to sleep.

They say the 27,800 tonne HMAS Canberra has obliterated their views of the harbour, spewed oil fumes into their homes and kept them awake with the groan of engines­ and generators since it arrived to fanfare in November.

media_camera Residents in front of the wall of grey steel that is blocking the harbour view and making them miserable.

“It’s just so depressing ... it’s all those things and they’re constant,” said one resident, Catherine Regan.

But the Department of Defence has confirmed, not only will the 27.5m-high helicopter landing dock stay indefinitely at the Garden Island base, she will be joined by sister vessel NUSHIP Adelaide before the end of the year.

THE AUSTRALIAN NAVY’S GAME-CHANGING $1.5 BILLION WARSHIP

HMAS Canberra was built to give Australia one of the world’s best amphibious deployment systems and was launched before thousands of defence personnel, politicians and members of the public in late November.

media_camera Behind the HMAS Canberra lies the Sydney Harbour Bridge and extensive water views which residents in Wylde Street in Potts Point can no longer enjoy.

media_camera The view from the top of HMAS Canberra, Australia's largest navy ship, reveals just what everyone is missing. Picture Cameron Richardson

“Since its arrival we have lived with 24-hour generators and incredible noise,” said Marilyn Gardiner, whose home now looks directly on to the ship’s bow.

“To discover there’s another one coming is just absurd. We can no longer open doors, can’t sit outside, hear the TV or radio,” she said.

ARCHITECT SAYS HAMMERHED CRANE SHOULD BE GARDEN ISLAND MEMORIAL

Most residents told the Courier they accepted the need for activity at the base, but questioned why the ships could not dock elsewhere.

media_camera Alex Greenwich with residents who are upset by the constant noise made by the huge warship. media_camera Continuous noise problems including 24-hour generators are a key gripe for locals.

However a Defence spokewoman said the size and draught of the HMAS Canberra limited berthing options.

“The ... NUSHIP Adelaide, will also be based at Garden Island before the end of 2015.

“When and where possible, the ships will be berthed further away from residences.”

Sydney Independent MP Alex Greenwich wrote to the Federal Government over the issue but parliamentary secretary for defence Darren Chester echoed the prediction. “This issue will be compounded with the arrival of NUSHIP Adelaide this year,” Mr Chester’s letter ­said.

Wylde St, Potts Point