Noise
If neighbourhood noise is a problem for you, there are a number of approaches you can take to try to resolve the matter.
The first step is to amicably discuss it with the person causing the noise. They may not realise there is a problem and the matter may be easy to resolve.
In cases where an acceptable resolution is not possible, the Town's Environmental Health Services team can be called on to help.
If you would like the Town to become involved, please complete a Noise Complaint-Form Report it here.
An Environmental Health Officer will investigate and attempt to resolve the problem without initiating any formal action. In most cases, the complaint is resolved at this level.
In cases when the matter is not resolved, noise measurements will be taken to determine compliance with regulations, and further action may be initiated as a result.
Common noise sources
There are a number of common sources of noise that can interrupt our day to day lives. Some fall under the jurisdiction of the Town to resolve, while others are dealt with by organisations such as the Police.
| Noise Sources |
| Party Noise |
Contact Police Operations on 131 444 to report noisy parties and behaviour problems associated with parties. The police have powers to turn music off, issue infringement notices and confiscate equipment.
The WA Police website has information on hosting a party, registering your party, tips for a safe party and information to parents.
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Power Tools
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Power tools such as drills, grinders, welders, lawn mowers, lawn edgers, grass trimmers, leaf blowers, and cutting machines can be used for up to two hours a day:
- 7am to 7pm Monday to Saturday
- 9am to 7pm on a Sunday or public holiday
To minimise disturbances:
- where practical, use tools in an area such as a garage
- use the best tool for the job (one that will finish the job in the shortest amount of time)
- avoid using tools early in the morning or late at night
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| Musical Instruments |
Musical instruments can be played for up to one hour per day during:
- 7am and 7pm on Monday to Saturday
- 9am and 7pm on a Sunday and public holiday
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Air Conditioners
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Air-conditioners must comply with assigned noise levels set out in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
Home-owners and installers are responsible, under the Environmental Protection Act 1986, to ensure new air-conditioning systems comply with assigned noise levels.
Property owners and installers need consider the best location for air conditioning systems, and all practical noise suppression techniques should be used.
In general, if noise from air conditioning systems can be heard inside a neighbouring home after 10pm, the noise may be unreasonable and not comply with assigned noise levels.
If we receive a noise complaint, an Environmental Health Officer will take noise measurements from the complainant's property to determine the noise levels and regulatory compliance.
Advice on the best air conditioner for you is available on the Fairair website. |
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Pools & Spa Pumps
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Pool and spa pumps must comply with assigned noise levels set out in the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.
It's important property owners and pool installers consider where pool or spa pumps are located, and all practical noise suppression techniques are used.
In general, if noise from pool and spa pumps can be heard inside a neighbouring home after 10pm, the noise may be unreasonable and not comply with assigned noise levels. |
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Construction Noise
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Unless there is a legitimate reason to do so, out-of-hours construction at any residential site is not permitted in the Town.
Noise Regulations permit construction site activities between 7am to 7 pm, Monday to Saturday.
Noisy activities on constructions sites are not permitted outside of those hours, or at any time on a Sunday or public holiday.
Quieter activities that are permitted outside those hours:
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rendering if the cement plaster is mixed in an electric mixer located within the walls of the new building;
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painting;
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tiling, without the use of power tools; and
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brick paving, without the use of power tools (no cutting or using compaction equipment).
Radios and stereo systems are not exempt and must comply at all times with assigned noise levels. |
Need our help?
If you need our help to resolve a noise problem, call us on (08) 9347 6000.