Noise Complaints
If a conflict arises between neighbours, the first step should be to have a rational and calm conversation with the other party.
Often, talking to the person can lead to changes that will be beneficial for both parties. Sometimes people are not aware that they are creating a problem or a disturbance.
If talking to the other party does not resolve the problem, there are alternative courses of action available. Action can be taken through the police, or Council. Council's Environmental Health Unit has Environmental Health Officer's who will investigate the complaint if it is believed to be reasonable.
The Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria website can provide useful information to assist in resolving noise problems. The Centre acts as a third party through mediation and helps people settle their disputes in a cooperative and lasting way. Mediation relies on both parties being willing to discuss the problem in the presence of a mediator. Services are free and confidential.
The Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations list specific types of equipment and times their use is prohibited. The times depend on the type of equipment being used and the day of the week, however some equipment may still be too loud even when used during the appropriate times. Some activities are easily recognisable as producing unreasonable noise, but some can be difficult to determine.
Police and Council officers can warn offenders to stop noise such as noisy parties or annoying air conditioners during the Prohibited Hours of Residential Noise.
Council's Environmental Health Officers can listen to and form an opinion about the noise. They may also ask you to keep a diary of when the noise occurs or they may take measurements of the noise levels to present to a magistrate if the problem is dealt with in court.
Pool equipment and air-conditioning noise from residential premises can be effectively dealt with under the section 48A provisions of the Environment Protection Act.
To register a complaint about excessive noise, or advise of any breaches of noise controls contact Council's Service Centre.