Neighbourhood noise can be a nuisance and, if loud enough, affect people’s health. Find out about noise limits, how to reduce noise and the complaints process.
What is an environmental nuisance?
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 states that an: Environmental nuisance is an unreasonable interference with an environmental value casued by aerosols, fumes, light, noise, odour, particles or smoke.
Advice about different types of noise pollution available on this page:
- Tools and machinery (Regulated devices)
- Building work noise
- Air-conditioning noise
- Pumps
- Refrigeration equipment
- Amplifier devices
- Indoor venues
- Outdoor events
- Power boat engine noise
Noise nuisance complaints
Advice about the noise complaint process available on this page:
- Resolving noise complaints
- Noise complaints not council managed
- Environmental noise nuisance process
- How to lodge noise complaint
Tools and machinery (Regulated devices)
Tools and machinery (regulated devices), including the following, need to comply with noise limits and not cause a nuisance:
- compressors and generators
- ducted vacuuming systems
- lawnmowers and edge cutters
- impacting tools (e.g. hammers and nail guns)
- leaf blowers and mulchers
- oxyacetylene burners
- power tools (e.g. chainsaws, drills and sanders).
Builders and owner-builders with a permit have different noise requirements, see building work noise.
Regulated devices noise limits
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| 7pm to 7am | Monday to Saturday | No clearly audible noise allowed |
| 7pm to 8am | Sundays or public holidays | No clearly audible noise allowed |
How to reduce noise
You can help to reduce noise by:
- limiting hours of use
- selecting a quieter model or quieter equipment, (e.g. sweep instead of using a leaf blower)
- working indoors, if possible and away from noise sensitive areas, (e.g. bedroom and office windows)
- performing regular maintenance on equipment
- installing an acoustic enclosure on fixed equipment - check with the manufacturer or installer for advice
- modifying equipment – check with the manufacturer or installer for advice.
This information is available as a factsheet Noise from power tools and other regulated devices.
Building work noise
This information applies to builders and owner-builders with a permit. Home renovators using tools and machinery have different noise restrictions. See Tools and machinery (Regulated devices).
Building work noise limits
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| 6.30pm to 6.30am | Monday to Saturday | No clearly audible noise allowed |
| All time | Sundays or public holidays | No clearly audible noise allowed |
Exemptions
These noise limits do not apply if Council has prescribed a limit in a development permit or local law approval for specific equipment or activities for at a property. In this circumstance, the person/company must comply with the conditions placed on the approval or permit.
How to reduce noise
You can help to reduce noise by:
- limiting the hours of use (find out what times neighbours are most disturbed by the noise)
- selecting quieter equipment
- working as far as possible from neighbours and noise sensitive places (e.g. bedroom and office windows)
- performing regular maintenance on equipment
- installing a solid fence or barrier
- installing an acoustic enclosure around fixed equipment (e.g. compressors (check with the manufacturer or installer for advice)
- modifying equipment (check with the manufacturer or installer for advice)
- let neighbours know about the noisy works and leave a contact number
- if noisy work is ongoing, consider respite days or scheduling the work so there is a break from the noise
- limit noisy work to certain times of the day when it is less likely to impact on neighbours.
This information is also available as factsheet Noise from building work.
Air-conditioning noise
Air-conditioners need to comply with the noise limits and not cause a noise nuisance.
Air-conditioning equipment noise limits
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| 7am to 10pm | Everyday | Noise no more than five decibels (A) above the background noise level |
| 10pm to 7am | Everyday | Noise no more than three decibels (A) above the background noise level |
How to reduce noise
You can help to reduce noise by:
- limiting the hours of use (find out what times neighbours are most disturbed by the noise)
- selecting a quieter air-conditioning model
- choosing the unit location carefully (avoid placing near neighbouring bedroom windows, offices, multiple walls and corners)
- performing regular maintenance
- installing a solid fence or barrier
- installing an acoustic enclosure – check with the manufacturer or installer for advice
- modifying equipment – check with the manufacturer or installer for advice.
This information is also available as a factsheet Noise from air conditioning equipment.
Pumps
Swimming pool, spa and other water pumps need to comply with noise limits and not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
Pumps noise limits
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| 7am to 7pm | Everyday | Noise no more than five decibels (A) above the background noise level |
| 7pm to 10pm | Everyday | Noise no more than three decibels (A) above the background noise level |
| 10pm to 7am | Everyday | No clearly audible noise allowed |
How to reduce noise
You can help to reduce noise by:
- limiting hours of use – understand how long your pool filter needs to run for
- selecting a quieter model
- choosing the pump location carefully (avoid placing near neighbouring bedroom windows, offices, multiple walls and corners)
- performing regular maintenance
- installing a solid fence or barrier
- installing an acoustic enclosure – check with the manufacturer or installer for advice
- modifying equipment – check with the manufacturer or installer for advice.
This information is also available as a factsheet Noise from swimming pool and spa pumps.
Refrigeration equipment
Noise from refrigeration equipment needs to comply with the noise limits and not cause a nuisance to neighbours.
Refrigerating equipment noise limits
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| 7am to 10pm | Everyday | Noise no more than five decibels (A) above the background noise level |
| 10pm to 7am | Everyday | Noise no more than three decibels (A) above the background noise level |
How to reduce noise
You can help to reduce noise by:
- selecting a quieter model
- choosing the refrigeration equipment location carefully (avoid placing near neighbouring bedroom windows, offices, multiple walls and corners)
- parking truck mounted units at a depot or away from noise sensitive areas
- performing regular maintenance on refrigeration equipment
- installing a solid fence or barrier
- installing an acoustic enclosure - check with the manufacturer or installer for advice
- modifying equipment – check with the manufacturer or installer for advice.
This information is also available as a factsheet Noise from refrigeration equipment.
Amplifier devices
Amplifier devices, including the following, need to comply with the noise limits and not cause a nuisance:
- loudhailer
- megaphone
- public address system, other than a railway
- remote telephone bell
- telephone repeater bell.
Amplified device noise limits
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| 10pm to 7am | Monday to Friday | No clearly audible noise allowed |
| 7am to 10pm | Monday to Friday | No more than 10 decibels (A) above the background noise |
| 6pm and 8am | Weekend, or public holidays | No clearly audible noise allowed |
| 8am to 6pm | Weekend, or public holidays | No more than 10 decibels (A) above the background |
Exemptions
These noise limits do not apply if Council has prescribed a limit in a development permit or local law approval for specific equipment or activities for amplifier devices at a property. These devices could also be applied to a more relevant noise standard like the indoor venues and outdoor event at a property.
How to reduce noise
You can help to reduce noise by:
- limiting hours of use
- selecting a quieter model or quieter equipment, (e.g. using a pager or replacing telephone repeater bells with a visual alarm)
- installing a solid fence or barrier
- choosing the device location carefully. Avoid placing near neighbouring bedroom windows, offices, multiple walls and corners.
This information is also available as a factsheet Noise from amplifier devices.
Indoor venues
Noise from indoor venues, including the following, needs to comply noise limits and not cause a nuisance:
- indoor cricket or netball
- ten pin bowling
- concerts
- religious worship
- squash
Indoor venue noise limits
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| 7am to 10pm | Everyday | No more than five decibels (A) above the background noise level |
| 10pm to 12am | Everyday | No more than three decibels (A) above the background noise level |
| 12am to 7am | Everyday | No noise audible noise |
Exemptions
The noise limits do not apply to:
- educational buildings used for non-commercial activities
- entertainment venues issued with a licence or permit by council or a liquor licence from Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, with noise level conditions
- sites that have a development approval with noise level conditions.
How to reduce noise
You can help reduce noise by:
- planning the location and orientation of stages, audio systems and amplifier devices – face away from neighbours
- installing a solid fence or barrier
- selecting quieter equipment and amplifier devices or use alternatives (e.g. using a pager or replacing telephone repeater bells with a visual alarm)
- limit time noisy equipment and devices are used
- if possible, keep doors and windows closed
- consider installing a noise limiting device.
This information is also available as a factsheet Noise from indoor venues.
Outdoor events
Outdoor entertainment events, including the following, need to comply with noise limits and not cause a nuisance to neighbours:
- concerts
- festivals
- sporting competitions and races.
Outdoor event noise limits
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| 7am to 10pm | Everyday | noise is no more than 70 decibels (A) |
| 10pm to 12am | Everyday | no more than 10 decibels (A) above the background noise level or 50 decibels (A), whichever is lower |
| 12am to 7am | Everyday | no clearly audible noise allowed |
Exemptions
The noise limits do not apply to:
- educational buildings used for non-commercial activities
- entertainment events issued with a licence or permit by council, or a liquor licence from Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation, with noise level conditions
- sites that have a development approval with noise level conditions or an approval with specified noise limits.
How to reduce noise
You can help reduce the impact of noise by:
- having a noise management plan
- planning the location and orientation of stages, audio systems and amplifier devices – face away from neighbours
- turning noise down, particularly the bass
- letting your neighbours know about the event and providing an event hotline for complaints
- monitoring noise levels during the event.
Power boat engine noise
Power boat engine noise needs to comply noise limits and not cause a nuisance.
Noise limits – Power boat engine noise (at premises)
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| Before 7am or after 7pm | Monday to Saturday | No clearly audible noise allowed |
| Before 8am or after 6.30pm | Sundays and public holidays | No clearly audible noise allowed |
Noise limits – Power boat engine noise (at jetties and pontoons)
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| Before 7am or after 7pm | Monday to Saturday | No clearly audible noise allowed for a continuous period of more than 5 minutes |
| Before 8am or after 6.30pm | Sundays and public holidays | No clearly audible noise allowed for a continuous period of more than 5 minutes |
Noise limits – Power boat sports in waterways
| Time | Day | Noise limit |
|---|---|---|
| Before 7am or after 7pm | Monday to Saturday | If the use makes audible noise for the same affected building for more than a continuous period of 2 minutes |
| Before 8am or after 6.30pm | Sundays and public holidays | If the use makes audible noise for the same affected building for more than a continuous period of 2 minutes |
How to reduce noise
You can help to reduce noise by:
- limiting the hours of use
- carrying out testing and maintenance away noise sensitive places (e.g. bedroom and office windows)
- selecting a quieter model
- staying away from premises and limiting time in one location when on a waterway.
Resolving noise complaints
Advice on making a complaint and contact details of authorities responsible for noise management are available in our noise complaint resolution factsheet.
If you are concerned about noise from a neighbour, try talking to them first. In most cases, the problem can be resolved without anyone else being involved.
Noise complaints not managed by Council
Redland City Council does not manage noise complaints about:
| Regulatory Authority | Noise issue |
|---|---|
| Queensland Police | music, loud stereos, parties, rowdy behaviour, burglar alarms, off-road noisy vehicles and trail bikes. |
| Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation | noise from a premises with a liquor licence |
| Department of Environment and Heritage Protection | noise from state government properties or activities that are regulated by the state government. |
| Department of Transport and Main Roads | on-road noisy vehicles and trail bikes |
| Airservices Australia | aircraft noise. |
Exemptions
The Environmental Protection Act 1994 provides exemptions from noise created from specific activities; some activities listed below but this is not an exhaustive list:
- road maintenance
- road noise
- safety signal noise
- traffic signals
- railway or railway signals
- public transport infrastructure
- maintaining public infrastructure, including:
- water and sewage services
- facilities for telecommunications or electricity
- preventing or removing public health risks.
- Noise regulated by other laws.
Environmental noise nuisance complaint process
Sometimes people are unaware that their activities are causing a nuisance so it’s important to chat to your neighbours about these nuisances prior to lodging a complaint.
Noise complaints
Check the Noise complaints not managed by Council above before you make a complaint.
Steps in process
- Council writes to all parties about the issue and provides copies of relevant fact sheets and supporting information to assist parties in documenting the nuisance and provide reasonable opportunity for the person causing the nuisance to rectify the issue.
- Parties are encouraged to discuss the problem and seek a possible solution.
- The complainant completes a Noise Emissions diary for a two (2) week period to assist Council with the investigation.
- Complainant records information in the diary such as frequency, duration and impacts on the receiving environment, is necessary to assess if an environmental nuisance is occurring in accordance with criteria set out in the Environmental Protection Act 1994 and provides Council with a history of the alleged nuisance. Once the required information is received by Council, a Council officer will investigate further.
- Councils’ investigations may require council officers to conduct an on-site assessment to establish if the noise is unlawful. For example, readings may need to be taken from inside your home to determine compliance or non-compliance with the specified noise limits.
- Notice may be issued to remedy the matter if an offence has occurred.
- Further enforcement may be taken if the resident or business takes no action to remedy the matter.
When further investigation requires noise monitoring on-site.
The role of our Environmental Health Officers when they receive a relevant noise complaint, is to determine if a noise offence is occurring and then take the necessary action to ensure the noise nuisance is resolved in line with the relevant legislation.
When conducting noise investigations, it often requires co-operation of both parties, the person making the noise and the person experiencing the noise nuisance for the best and most efficient outcomes.
If an on-site investigation is required, the officer will arrange a time with both parties to undertake noise measurements at the place where the noise is causing the most impact.
If an offence is determined, a legislative notice is issued that allows a reasonable amount of time to remedy the offence.
It’s important to note, that these investigations can be lengthy and complex because our officers need to follow all the applicable Australian standards Manuals, Regulations and Acts to ensure the investigation is fair and accurate.
Our officers will communicate openly and transparently with both parties though-out the process in accordance with the Information Privacy Act.
How to lodge a noise complaint
If your complaint is managed by Council, you will need to provide:
- your name, address and phone number – this information is kept confidential
- nuisance description – including the date, time noise starts and finishes and source address
- It is important to give officers as much information as possible so they are able to assist you with your complaint
To lodge a noise complaint that is managed by Council contact us.