Neighbourhood noise - City of Gosnells - wa.gov.au

What to do with a noise complaint?If noise is disruptive and does not fit into oneof the mentioned examples or is unreasonable,the first thing needed is to actually locate thenoise source.If a neighbour is creating noise, the bestapproach is to try and resolve it by discussingthe matter directly with them.If the situation does not change, contact theCity’s Health Services on 9397 3021. Writtencomplaints should include the dates, times, natureand duration of the noise.What can happen if a noise complaintis lodged?An Environmental Health Officer may visit theowner/occupier of the property where the noiseis occurring and advise them of the complaint.In most cases, the first meeting will solve the noiseproblem. If not, a verbal or written warning maybe issued or sound level readings may be taken.If readings are higher than the prescribed noiselevel, the owner/occupier of the premises will benotified and given a period of time to reduce thenoise to prescribed levels.City of GosnellsPO Box 662Gosnells WA 69909397 3000council@gosnells.wa.gov.auwww.gosnells.wa.gov.auNeighbourhood noiseHEALTH SERVICESTo assist the Environmental Health Officer indealing with your noise complaint, please keepa diary for approximately two weeks, detailingthe above information.If further readings are taken and the noise is stillabove prescribed levels, the City may take furtheraction, which could result in the following:1. Issue of an infringement notice – $250 for afirst offence and $500 for subsequent offences.2. Seizure for up to 12 months of equipmentcontributing to unreasonable noise.3. Service of an Environmental Protection Notice(EPN) or a Noise Abatement Direction (NAD).The maximum penalty for non-compliance with therequirements of a NAD or an EPN is $25,000 foran individual and $62,000 for a body corporate.In addition, if a breach of the EnvironmentalProtection Act is intentional or criminallynegligent, the maximum penalty rises to$250,000 for an individual and $500,000for a body corporate.Legal action is never the preferred option.Resolving a noise issue through consensus andcooperation is the most desirable outcome.Printed on unbleached 100% recycledand recyclable paper.This document is availablein alternative formats.Fore more information contact the City’s HealthServices on 9397 3021.2014/15

Neighbourhood and noiseEquipment used on residential premisesConstruction site noiseAt some time, most people have been disturbedby neighbourhood noise and there are probablyoccasions when they have also been responsiblefor causing disturbance.Current trends towards smaller lot sizes inresidential areas have increased the likelihoodof making noise that might affect others.What is noise?Noise is best described as any unwanted orunpleasant sound. Noise can disrupt lives, causeloss of sleep or emotional stress and interferewith activities.Assigned noise levels are set out in theEnvironmental Protection (Noise) Regulations1997 (the Regulations) to ensure that noise froma premises is kept to acceptable levels for otherneighbouring properties.When is noise unreasonable?The Regulations set different levels for the type ofpremises receiving noise at various times of theday. As a guide, noise which is clearly audibleat the boundary of a property may cause adisturbance and exceed prescribed noise levels.Any noise emitted from a premises must complywith the prescribed noise levels. However, understrict conditions, legislation does allow certainnoisy activities to occur.Specified equipment is defined as ‘any equipmentthat requires the constant presence of an operator– for example, a lawn mower or power tools.’Specified equipment should not be used for morethan two hours a day. The only exception to this ismusical instruments which are not to be used formore than one hour a day.Specified equipment may only be used:• Monday to Saturday, 7am – 7pm• Sundays and public holidays, 9am – 7pmThe equipment must be used in a reasonablemanner and not interfere with the health, welfare,convenience or amenity of an occupier of apremises receiving noise.Air conditionersNoise from air conditioners can disturbneighbours, sleep, interfere with normal dailyactivities and can have a significant effect onpeople’s health.The Regulations may prevent your air conditionerfrom being used if inappropriately selected,installed or located.The location of the air conditioner is the mostimportant factor. Air conditioners should belocated as far away as possible from neighbours’bedrooms and outdoor recreation areas.Relocation or adjustment of a noisy air conditionercan be very expensive and inconvenient. A guidefor estimating potential noise levels from airconditioners is available from the City’s website.Construction work on building sites can be carriedout on any day, between 7am and 7pm excepton Sundays and public holidays. Work at othertimes is only permitted under an approvedNoise Management Plan.Noise made during partiesMusic noise emitted from a party will generallyexceed the prescribed noise level. Neighboursmay tolerate ‘one-off parties’ if they have beenadvised in advance of the following:1. The date of the party – neighbours may wish tomake alternative arrangements and go out forthe evening.2. The time music will be switched off or turneddown – intentions not to disturb neighboursafter midnight is generally accepted by thecommunity but it is not law.3. A phone number – so neighbours can ring ifthe music gets too loud.Even if the above guidelines are followed,neighbours can still lodge a complaint with thePolice and/or the City about noisy parties.City Authorised Noise Officers and the Policehave the power to ensure music is turned downor to confiscate equipment.What about barking dogs?Owning a dog is a responsibility. Dog ownersneed to ensure that their dog/s do not becomeneigbourhood nuisances by barking.Barking is very subjective, with manyinterpretations as to what constitutes a nuisance.If you are concerned about noise from barkingdogs, please call the City’s Ranger Service on9397 3000.