Noise

In NSW noise is regulated by the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA), Council and Police depending on the type of noise source.

Types of noise that affect a community include:

  • Neighbourhood noise
  • Motor Vehicle noise
  • Transport noise
  • Industrial noise

Residential Noise Restrictions

The Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017 covers neighbourhood noise laws. There are time restrictions on when noise from residential premises should not be heard inside a neighbour’s residence.

Time-of-day noise restrictions

During these times, noise should not be heard in a habitable room in a neighbour’s residence:

Power tools

8pm to 8am on any Saturday, Sunday or public holiday
8pm to 7am on any other day

Pumps and heat water pumps (incl. swimming pool and spa pumps)

8pm to 8am on any Saturday, Sunday or public holiday
8pm to 7am on any other day

Music

Midnight to 8 am on Friday, Saturday or any day preceding a public holiday
10pm to 8am on any other day

Air conditioner or water heater

10pm to 8am on weekends and public holidays
10pm to 7am on weekdays

Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving residential premises)

8pm to 8am on weekends and public holidays
8pm to 7am on any other day

Refrigeration unit fitted to motor vehicles

8pm to 8am on weekends and public holidays
8pm to 7am on any other day

Noise Complaints

For further information on noise regulations contact Council’s Customer Service Centre on (03) 5027 5027 during office hours, or contact the local police if urgent attention is required after hours (e.g. loud parties, noisy intruder alarms).

For further information on managing and dealing with noise visit Environmental Protection Authority – Noise