Noise
Find out what to do about neighbourhood, construction and other noise, including who to contact and when residential noise restrictions apply.
Residential noise issues
Before making a formal noise complaint it’s best to speak directly with your neighbour first. Often, people don’t realise how much noise they’re making, and a calm, polite conversation can resolve the issue without escalation.
Here are a few tips for that conversation:
- Choose a good time – Avoid approaching them when you’re angry or when the noise is happening.
- Be polite and specific – Explain clearly what kind of noise is bothering you and when it tends to occur.
- Focus on the problem, not the person – Use “I” statements (e.g., “I find it hard to sleep when...”) rather than blaming language.
- Suggest solutions – For example, they could lower the volume, or set quieter hours.
- Keep notes – Record when you spoke and what was agreed upon, in case the issue continues later.
What You Need to Do When Dealing with Noise Problems
1. Try to Resolve the Problem Through Mediation
In many cases, noise issues can be resolved by speaking directly with the person or business responsible. Often, they simply don’t realise the noise is causing a disturbance and will be willing to make changes once they’re made aware.
You can:
- Talk to them in person – Choose a calm moment to discuss the issue politely. Refer to the tips listed above.
- Leave a friendly note or letter – If you don’t feel comfortable talking directly, write a short message explaining the problem and how it affects you.
Be tactful when raising the issue. Your neighbour or the business might not realise there’s a problem. Approach the conversation with understanding and aim for a cooperative tone.
2. Seek Mediation Assistance
If your neighbour refuses to discuss the issue or you’re unable to reach an agreement, you can contact LawAccess NSW for free help.
LawAccess NSW can:
- Provide free mediation services, helping both parties talk through the problem with the assistance of an independent mediator.
- Offer legal advice and referrals to other services if needed.
Mediation gives you and your neighbour the chance to resolve the dispute informally, without having to start lengthy or costly legal processes. The mediator’s role is to stay neutral and help both sides communicate effectively to find a practical solution.
3. Complete a Noise Log Record Sheet and Contact AlburyCity
If you’ve been unable to resolve the issue directly with your neighbour or through mediation, you can contact AlburyCity for further assistance.
Before getting in touch, it’s important to:
- Complete a noise log record sheet for a period of 14 days (available to download from the AlburyCity website).
- Send the completed log to info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au.
The information you provide in the noise log record sheet will:
- Help AlburyCity assess your complaint and provide appropriate advice.
- Serve as evidence if formal action becomes necessary.
Please note that AlburyCity can only assist or act on your behalf once the noise issue has been verified.
Offensive Noise
If you’re affected by offensive noise, you also have the option to seek a Noise Abatement Order independently of AlburyCity.
You can lodge your own evidence of the noise impact with the court.
For more information, visit the NSW EPA website for more details.
Residential noise times
The Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017 restricts when certain equipment may be heard inside a habitable room of another residence.
| Noise Source | Time Restrictions |
|---|---|
| Power tools and equipment such as compressors, swimming pool pumps, lawn mowers, leaf blowers, chain saws and the like | Between 8pm until 7am weekdays 8pm and until 8am Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays |
| Musical instruments and sound equipment such as radios, sound systems and public address systems | 10pm until 8am every day except 12 midnight until 8am on any Friday, Saturday or day preceding a public holiday |
| Domestic air conditioners and pump water heaters | 10pm until 7am weekdays and 10pm until 8am weekends and public holidays |
| Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving premises) | 8pm until 7am weekdays and 8pm until 8am weekends and public holidays |
| Refrigeration units fitted to motor vehicles | 8pm until 7am weekdays and 8am until 8pm weekends and public holidays |
Noise from One-Off Events
Noise from one-off situations, such as parties, or noise occurring outside Council’s business hours, should be referred to NSW Police on 131 444.
If you are hosting a party, consider your neighbours by:
- Notifying them in advance that the event is happening;
- Providing an expected finish time for the music or noise; and
- Keeping the volume reasonable to minimise disruption.
Resources
Public Health & Compliance Noise Log Record Sheet [ DOCX, 821.94 KB]
NSW Environment Protection Authority also has a range of resources available for dealing with noise, whether your complaint relates to your neighbours, alarms or motor vehicles.
