Noise nuisance

The law

The Environmental Protection Act 1994 prescribes noise standards for building work, regulated devices, pumps, air-conditioning equipment, refrigeration equipment and the operation of power boat engines on waterways and at premises.

Council is legally required to enforce these standards. If issues between neighbours cannot be resolved, Council will investigate. Council may issue direction notices or on-the-spot fines if noise standards are not complied to.

A residential noise nuisance occurs if:

• Noise is emitted from an activity outside of the allowable hours outlined below and can be heard at an affected building.
• The level of noise exceeds the allowable limits when heard at an affected building.
• The frequency and/or duration of the noise is considered to be excessive.
• The tonality and pitch of noise is considered to be offensive.

Noise nuisances dealt with by Queensland Police Service

Police Officers, pursuant to the Police Powers and Responsibilities Act 2000, regulate environmental nuisance caused by excessive noise that is emitted from a place by:

• a musical instrument;
• an appliance for electrically producing or amplifying music or other sounds (televisions, stereos, gaming devices, security alarms etc.);
• a motor vehicle other than a motor vehicle on a road (Note: noise from vehicles on roads is governed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads);
• a gathering of people for a meeting, party, celebration or similar occasion.
• Noise emitted by a motorbike being driven on a place that is not a road (Note: vehicle noise on roads is governed by the Department of Transport and Main Roads).
• Noise emitted from within a motor vehicle on a road or in a public place (e.g. amplified music).
• Contact your local Police Station for further advice.

Noise created by vehicles hooning on the road may be reported to the Hoon Hotline 13 46 66. The vehicle description, registration number and location need to be provided.

The Office of Liquor and Gaming and Regulation (OLGR) regulated noise emitted from premises with a liquor licence (i.e. pubs, clubs, hotels). To lodge a complaint with OLGR telephone 13 74 68.

Body Corporate Complex or Relocatable Home Park

Body Corporates and/or Relocatable Home Park Operators have jurisdiction over environmental nuisances caused from a source within their complex under either the Body Corporate and Community Management Act 1997 or the Manufactured Homes (Residential Parks) Act 2003.

Contact your body corporate or complex manager to lodge a complaint.