Noise Pollution

Excessive or continuous noise can come from many sources, including air conditioning units, amplified devices, building and construction, machinery and power tools, boats, pumps and refrigeration equipment. Sometimes this noise can disturb neighbours, disrupt their sleep and interfere with daily activities. If loud and frequent enough, it can also impact on people’s health or work environment.

Not all noise issues are regulated by Council, if your concern relates to any of the following sources of noise these matters should be referred to Queensland Police Service via Policelink.

• Amplified noise from sources such as musical instruments or stereos
• Noise from loud parties or anti-social behaviour
• Noise from motor vehicles being revved repeatedly at a property (including cars, motorbikes, quad bikes, go carts etc.

Allowable noise level guidelines

While the noise issue you are experiencing may be frustrating there are specific standards that apply including allowable noise limits.  If a noise issue is not outside these limits then it is not in breach of the legislation.  The table below outlines the noise limits for issues enforced by Council, if the noise you are experiencing is not generated by one of the below categories it may not be subject to Council enforcement.

How do I manage regulated noise coming from my property?

The below handy tips are relevant for most equipment or activities that produce noise this is regulated by council. For more specific tips, see the applicable heading below.

• If you are going to be doing an activity that may result in prolonged noise, speak to your neighbours and let them know in advance.
• Find out when your neighbours are most disturbed by noise and limit operation during these times if possible.
• Where possible equipment and activities should not be run near neighbouring bedroom windows or offices.
• Regular maintenance of equipment can decrease noise levels and improve effectiveness.
• Install a solid fence or barrier (no gaps) between you and your neighbour to reduce the noise level.
• Consider enclosing the equipment in a ventilated wood box with an absorbent lining, if applicable. Contact the equipment manufacturer or installer for advice before doing this.
• Modification of some equipment may reduce noise. Contact the manufacturer or installer for advice.
• Ensure noise is only being generated within the allowable hours as outlined in the table above.

Air conditioning unit

• Replace the air-conditioner with a quieter model.
• Undertake regular maintenance to ensure the unit is operating correctly.

Amplified devices

• Alternatives may be available that are quieter or do not disturb neighbours. For example, telephone repeater bells can be replaced with visual alarms to alert the receiver of a call.

Building and Construction

• When buying equipment, consider a quieter option. Manufacturers often label equipment with the noise level or can provide this information. Alternatives such as electrical equipment may be quieter than petrol models.

Machinery and Power Tools

• When buying equipment, consider if a quieter option is available. Manufacturers often label equipment with the noise level or can provide this information. Alternatives such as electrical equipment may be quieter than petrol models.

Operating power boat engine at a premises

• An enclosed garage or shed may be a more suitable alternative than outside, depending on its location.
• If extensive running of a motor is required, consider an alternative location.

Pumps

• If it’s a swimming pool pump, know how long the pool filter needs to run for and set a timer to run at times that don’t disturb your neighbour. Talk to your local pool shop or pool pump manufacturer for information on the optimal running of the pump.
• Older pumps can be noisy and an undersized pump may need to run longer to maintain water quality. Replacing the pump with a quieter or appropriately sized model may reduce noise levels.

Refrigeration Equipment

• The noise level of refrigeration equipment can vary significantly depending on the type and size of the unit. Units operating on electricity or with an electric option are quieter then engine driven units.
• For truck mounted units, consider parking at a depot or away from residential areas.

How can I report an issue with noise?

Discuss with your neighbour

People are sometimes unaware that their equipment or activities are causing a nuisance. Ipswich City Council encourages all residents to talk to their neighbours first about nuisance problems and only make a report if the issue remains unresolved.

Before you proceed with making a report, please refer to the below questions to confirm if council is the appropriate contact for your issue.

1. Does the noise relate to music, loud stereos, parties and rowdy behaviour or burglar alarms?
   If you answered yes, contact Queensland Police or phone 13 14 44.
2. Does the noise relate to off road vehicles or trail bikes?
   If you answered yes, contact Queensland Police or phone 13 14 44.
3. Does the noise relate to on-road vehicles or trail bikes?
   If you answered yes, please contact the Department of Transport and Main Roads or phone 13 23 80.
4. Does the noise relate to vehicles idling/revving at a property?
   If you answered yes, contact Queensland Police or phone 13 14 44.
5. Does the noise relate to native animals or birds (e.g. crows)?
   If you answered yes, please contact the Department of Science and Environment or phone 13 74 68.
6. Does the noise relate to pubs, clubs or any liquor licenced premises?
   If you answered yes, please contact the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulations or phone 13 74 68.

If you answered no to all of the questions listed above, please follow the below steps to report an issue with council. Have the following information ready:

• details of the source and nature of the issue
• where the issue is coming from and how is it affecting you? – i.e. the specific address/location of the nuisance, if you cannot provide the address council is unable to take action.
• specific information on how often the issue is happening e.g. what time of day and on what day/s.

For information on how to report an issue, refer to council's Report an Issue webpage.

Note: Council provides an after hours service so that issues occurring outside of typical business hours are able to be investigated. If you are experiencing issues with noise nuisance outside of business hours, please contact council on 07 3810 6666 when the issue is occurring so that an investigating officer can conduct an inspection and obtain the necessary evidence.

How does Council manage noise nuisance report?

Council will conduct an inspection to determine if the issue is a breach of the relevant legislation, if a determination isn’t able to be made from a public area (e.g. road/footpath) an officer may attend the residence of the person who has reported the issue to assess the impact to them and their property.

If it is determined that the activity is in breach of the relevant legislation officers may undertake a number of actions depending on the specific circumstances of the issue, these including providing general education, a formal warning, a compliance notice or a fine.