When noise control is called
If our staff are called out to investigate the noise, they will assess if the noise is reasonable and within allowable levels by considering:
- volume
- the time of day
- frequency
- tone/type of noise.
Reducing the noise
If we investigate a complaint and the noise is considered excessive, our noise control officer will direct the occupier or person responsible for the excessive noise to immediately reduce it to a reasonable level. A written notice called a Direction to Abate Excessive Noise may be issued which will be in effect for 72 hours. If there is a repeat incident of reported excessive noise within the 72-hour period, our staff, with help from the Police, have the right to:
- seize/remove whatever is making the noise
- take away any working parts
- lock up or seal off the object making the noise
- take any other steps necessary to reduce noise
- issue a notice of non-compliance with Direction to Abate Excessive Noise and infringement fee.
Confidentiality
Noise complaints are confidential; the noise maker is not advised who has complained. Your details are only required by Council so we can monitor ongoing noise problems.
Ongoing problems
We may need to investigate or take further action to deal effectively with some noise sources, like noise from industrial or commercial sites. If the problem is a technical one, an environmental health officer may need to use noise-monitoring equipment. In this case, we'll take some time to fully investigate the noise and bring the issue to a conclusion.
Seized equipment
If your equipment is seized by our staff, we'll deliver it to a secure lock-up. We'll return the equipment to its owner if we are satisfied that it will not be used to create further noise problems.
- Call us to find out where to collect your goods and how much money is owed.
- You will need to pay for the cost of callouts, storage and delivery. See seizure fines for details.
- Payment must be in cash or by EFTPOS; credit cards not accepted.
- When you collect your equipment, please bring proof of identity and the original seizure notice.
Problem with a complaint
If you have issues about a complaint, contact one of our environmental health officers to discuss the problem. They will investigate your allegation.