Noise Complaints

Time Restrictions

The Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations prescribe periods of the day or night when certain items of equipment should not be used as they are very likely to cause nuisance to neighbours. The prescribed items and times are:

Group	Items	Prohibited Times
One	Motor vehicles (except a vehicle moving in or out of premises), lawnmower or other grass cutting device and any equipment or appliance not falling within Group Two having and internal combustion engine.	Monday to Friday: Before 7.00am and after 8.00pm Weekends and Public Holidays: Before 9.00am and after 8.00pm
Two	Electric power tools, chain or circular saw, gas or air compressor, pneumatic power tool, hammer or any other impact tool, grinding equipment.	Monday to Friday: Before 7.00am and after 8.00pm Weekends and Public Holidays: Before 9.00am and after 8.00pm
Three	Domestic air-conditioner or evaporative cooler, swimming pool pump, spa pump, domestic heating equipment (including central heating and hot water systems) and a domestic vacuum cleaner.	Monday to Friday: Before 7.00am and after 10.00pm Weekends and Public Holidays: Before 9.00am and after 10.00pm
Four	Musical instrument, electrical amplified sound reproducing equipment (including stereogram, radio, television or public address system).	Monday to Thursday: Before 7.00am and after 10.00pm Friday: Before 7.00am and after 11.00pm Saturday and Public Holidays: Before 9.00am and after 11.00pm Sunday: Before 9.00am and after 10.00pm
Five	Electric equipment or appliance not falling within Group 2, 3 or 4 including electric gardening equipment	Monday to Friday: Before 7.00am and after 8.00pm Weekends and Public Holidays: Before 9.00am and after 8.00pm
Note: The prohibited times apply when the noise can be heard from inside a habitable room of another residential premises. Any residential noise might still be considered unreasonable outside the prohibited times.

If the noise relates to items or matters that are not covered by the above, then other powers may exist under the Environment Protection Act or other legislation. Contact Council’s Environmental Health team on 5662 9200 to discuss what options may exist for your situation.