Noise Nuisance

Unwanted noise can negatively affect a person's health and well being. Not only can it cause hearing loss, but it may affect people through annoyance, sleep interference, stress, loss of productivity and a general reduction in the quality of life.

The actual loudness, including the frequency, tone and vibrations of a sound may only be one component of the effect on people. Other considerations include time, place, duration, source of the sound and whether the person has any control over it.

The most common noise nuisances are refrigeration equipment(PDF, 79KB), pool and spa pumps(PDF, 484KB)regulated devices(PDF, 484KB) such as lawn mowers and power tools; and air conditioning equipment(PDF, 483KB).

The Environmental Protection Act 1994 places limits on certain activities and the use of certain equipment, these limits are outlined in the Noise Nuisance Guidelines(PDF, 484KB).

Noise Nuisance Guidelines(PDF, 484KB)
Air Conditioning Equipment Information Sheet(PDF, 483KB)
Pumps Information Sheet(PDF, 484KB)
Amplifier Devices Information Sheet(PDF, 483KB)
Refrigeration Equipment Information Sheet(PDF, 79KB)

The following noise nuisances are not administered by Council:

  1. Noise from house alarms is regulated by Queensland Police Service.
  2. Noise from loud music and parties is regulated by Queensland Police Service.
  3. Noise from licensed premises such as hotels and nightclubs is regulated by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation .
  4. Noise from vehicles and trail bikes is regulated by Queensland Police Service.
  5. Noise created by the State Government or Council is administered by the Department of Environment and Science .
  6. Noise from non-devolved ERA's is administered by the Department of Environment and Science.

What Council will do

To respond to a complaint Council will require your name and contact details, an address for the location of the alleged nuisance, and detailed information on the nature of the nuisance.

Council will assess the nature of the complaint to decide the course of action.

When a compliant is received, Council may contact both parties to inform them of the relevant provisions of the legislation and provide information on the relevant nuisance in an attempt to resolve the issue. The complainant's identity will remain confidential in any correspondence from Council.

If the nuisance persists, it is expected that you both take some steps to resolve the issue before involving Council again. Talking with your neighbours about your concerns is the best way to resolve any recurring issues.

If further nuisance complaints are received, Council may undertake an investigation. The investigation includes consideration of the time of nuisance, how long the nuisance lasts, the environmental values of the area, the impact on the environment and the views of the complainants, the respondents and neighbours.

For more information click on related links and documents or contact Council's Customer Service Centre on 07 4932 9000 or 1300 22 55 77.