Noise Control Advice
Noise pollution is defined as "the emission of offensive noise", which means noise that by reason of its level, nature, character or quality, at the time at which it is made, is harmful to or interferes with the comfort of a person outside the premises from which the noise is emitted.
What can you do about neighbourhood noise?
In the first instance, approaching the person making the noise may solve the problem amicably. Often people are unaware their activities are affecting others.
Council's Environment, Tourism and Economic Development Department addresses significant noise nuisances, taking action if the noise is considered a public nuisance.
Under the Protection Operations Act 1997, local councils can serve various notices on people occupying homes and businesses, requiring them to control offensive noise and advising them what noise levels are acceptable.
To make a complaint regarding a significant noise nuisance please contact us.
Below is a list of domestic noise sources and the times during which special restrictions apply.
Domestic Noise Source |
Restriction Time |
Who to Contact |
Power tools and equipment (powered garden tools, e.g. lawn mowers, leaf blowers, electric or pneumatic tools, chainsaws or circular saws, gas or air compressors, swimming pool or spa pumps) |
8:00pm to 7:00am on weekdays and Saturdays. 8:00pm to 8:00am on Sundays and public holidays |
Council during business hours or Police after hours |
Musical instruments and sound equipment (radios, TV's, stereos, public address systems or computer games) |
Midnight to 8:00am every day |
Council during business hours or Police after hours |
Domestic air-conditioners |
10:00pm to 7:00am on weekdays. 10:00pm to 8:00am on weekends and public holidays |
Council during business hours |
Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving residential premises) |
8:00p to 7:00am weekdays. 8:00pm to 8:00am on weekends and public holidays |
Council during business hours or Police after hours |
Refrigeration unit fitted to motor vehicles |
8:00pm to 7:00am on weekdays. 8:00pm to 8:00am on weekends and public holidays |
Council during business hours or Police after hours |