Noise management and complaints

Most noise issues can be resolved quickly by talking to the person responsible. Let them know how the noise is affecting you and see if you can agree on a workable solution.

If the noise is an ongoing issue or you do not feel comfortable approaching your neighbour, move to Step 2.

You can lodge a formal noise complaint via the online form below.

Complete the noise complaint online form

After receiving your complaint, the City will contact you and provide a noise log sheet.

You will be asked to record:

• Dates and times the noise occurs.
• The type of noise.
• How long it continues.
• How it affects you.

This record helps the City assess the situation and determine whether an offence is likely. It also shows the alleged offender that the City is aware of the issue.

Noise Log Sheet (PDF)

After you return the completed noise log:

• An Environmental Health Officer reviews your records.
• If needed, they may take sound level measurements. These must be taken from the property receiving the noise under the Noise Regulations.
• The person responsible for the noise is contacted and advised of the requirements under the legislation.

In many cases, this resolves the issue, as the person may not realise the impact they are having.

If a noise offence is confirmed, the City may take one or more of the following actions:

• Issue infringements.
• Seize the offending equipment.
• Initiate legal action.

Owners of rental properties can also be held responsible for offences committed by tenants.

Construction sites may carry out noisy work between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday.

Noisy work is not permitted at the following times:

• On Sundays.
• On Public Holidays.
• Outside 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday.

Low-noise tasks may occur outside standard hours if they do not create noise. This includes:

• Workers arriving on site.
• Unloading materials quietly.
• Quiet preparation tasks.

A Noise Management Plan is required for any noisy construction work outside the permitted hours. The plan must be submitted with the following application form.

Approval must be granted by the City before the work can take place.

Out of hours construction noise application form

If noise from a construction site is disturbing you, you can:

• Speak with the builders or site supervisor to make them aware of the issue.
• Contact the building company, as supervisors may not always know about subcontractor activity.
• Remember that construction work is temporary and will cease once the project is complete.
• If the noise continues or appears unreasonable, you may lodge a complaint with the City.

Air conditioners can create continuous noise that affects neighbouring homes, particularly at night. 

To reduce noise:

• Install units as far as possible from neighbours' bedrooms and outdoor living areas.
• Avoid placing units directly opposite bedroom windows or along shared fences.
• Choose quieter models when purchasing a new system.
• Maintain the system regularly, as poorly maintained units often become louder.

For more information refer to the guide below:

Air Conditioner Installation Guide (PDF)

Equipment such as lawn mowers, trimmers and blower vacuums can easily exceed permitted noise levels. 

To reduce disturbance:

• Limit use to no more than two hours per day.
• Use equipment only between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, and between 9am and 7pm on Sundays and Public Holidays.
• Avoid using equipment near shared fences or bedroom windows.
• Choose quieter or electric models when possible.
• Maintain equipment regularly to reduce unnecessary noise.

Equipment commonly used in commercial or industrial settings is generally not considered reasonable at a home and must always comply with noise limits.

Playing musical instruments at home must be managed carefully to avoid disturbing neighbours. 

To help reduce noise:

• Limit practice to no more than one hour per day.
• Play only between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, and between 9am and 7pm on Sundays and Public Holidays.
• Keep windows and doors closed during practice.
• Choose indoor rooms that are away from neighbours' bedrooms.
• Avoid low frequency amplified sound where possible.

Parties can create noise that exceeds the permitted levels, particularly when music carries late into the night. 

To minimise disturbance to neighbours:

• Let neighbours know the date of your party.
• Tell them what time you plan to turn the music down.
• Provide a contact number in case they need to reach you.
• Limit the use of outdoor speakers and direct speakers away from neighbouring homes.
• Keep bass levels low.
• Move the party indoors if it continues later in the evening.
• Keep windows and doors closed to contain noise.

There is no exemption in the Regulations that allows party music to continue until midnight.

Some activities create repeated impact sounds, such as basketballs hitting garage doors, fences or rebound boards. These noises travel easily through neighbourhoods. 

To lessen disturbance:

• Limit play to no more than two hours per day.
• Keep use between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday, and between 9am and 7pm on Sundays and Public Holidays.
• Place basketball hoops and similar equipment away from fences, hard surfaces and garage doors.
• Avoid late evening use when sound carries more easily.

Pumps, including pool pumps and spa blowers, can disturb neighbours if they are loud, poorly placed or not maintained. 

To minimise noise:

• Limit the hours of use.
• Use a timer so the pump operates at appropriate times.
• Run pool pumps only long enough for correct water turnover, often three to six hours a day depending on the pool.
• Choose quieter or correctly sized pumps, as some models are significantly louder.
• Install pumps away from neighbouring windows and sleeping areas.
• Maintain pumps regularly, as older pumps often become noisier.
• Install a solid fence, an acoustic enclosure or place the pump in a shed with good ventilation.

Light renovation work and minor repairs can create noise that affects neighbours. 

To reduce the impact:

• Try to carry out noisy work during daytime hours, ideally between 7am and 7pm Monday to Saturday and after 9.00am on Sundays and Public Holidays.
• Avoid early mornings and evenings when neighbours are more likely to be resting or sleeping.
• Group noisy tasks together rather than spreading them throughout the day.
• Use tools away from shared fences and neighbours' windows.
• Keep tools well maintained so they operate more quietly.
• Let neighbours know if you are planning particularly noisy work and how long it is likely to last.

Intruder alarms provide important security, but they can cause significant disturbance when triggered repeatedly or left sounding for long periods. 

To minimise disturbance:

• Ensure alarms are installed and maintained by a licensed technician.
• Set alarms to sound for no more than five to ten minutes before they reset.
• Check sensors regularly to prevent false activations.

If a Police officer determines the alarm has been causing unreasonable noise for at least 30 minutes, they may arrange for an alarm technician to disconnect it. This is done at the owner’s expense. The City is not authorised to disconnect alarms.