Noise & Your Environment

If you are experiencing noise disturbance, speak to the person that is causing the noise as soon as the problem arises, expressing your case honestly and respectfully. In many instances, they are unaware that they are causing a problem and will quickly remedy the situation.
If this does not work, you may need to consider other alternatives such as mediation or approaching the Shire of Peppermint Grove, local Police or Department of Environment, to investigate your situation.

Types of noise sources creating annoyance

Here are examples of some noise sources, that can cause complaints:

• Party noise, loud stereos.
• Practice of musical instruments.
• Lawn mowers, power tools and other devices.
• Air conditioners, pool pumps, spas, heaters.
• Burglar alarms, car alarms and other security devices.
• Thumping, crashing and other unidentifiable noises heard through dividing walls/ceilings and many more.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but rather to give you an idea of the range of problems that we can help with. Generally speaking, the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 control noise emissions from the majority of noise sources.

The following information is not legal advice and has been included to help you start thinking about the issues involved. There are a number of authorities that may be able to assist with a noise problem. Noise issues are investigated by both Council Environmental Health Officer and Police Officers. If you are not completely satisfied with the action of the police or Council, you can take the matter to Court yourself although we do recommend you attempt to solve the issue before a court is necessary.

Suggested solutions to some common problems

• Is there a possibility of party noise, loud stereos or musical instruments being played at your house?
  
  • It is always good protocol to warn neighbours about these kinds of activities. Noise is less of a problem if it is not unexpected so this means if an instrument is played regularly, make some arrangement for suitable practice times. If one neighbour works odd hours, it helps for the other neighbours to know when that person is sleeping so noisy activities can be performed elsewhere or at a more convenient time when the noise won’t disturb them. Some form of noise proofing or insulation to one or both houses could help. 

• Experiencing domestic noises, such as children, raised voices, swearing neighbours or thumping etc?
  • The noisy neighbour should be made aware of the problem and similar ideas to those presented above could be tried. However if your neighbours are unapproachable or threatening, you may wish to call the Police Assistance Centre on 131 444.

• Are you putting up with mechanical noises such as lawn mowers, power tools or cars reversing etc?
  • Work out the hours they occur and try to arrange your activities accordingly as it may not be possible for the neighbour to alter their driving habits if they travel to work early in the morning for example. However noise from lawn mowing, chainsaws and other mechanical equipment should be negotiated with your neighbour, especially if it is occuring before 9.00am on weekends for example.