The NSW Environmental Protection Authority places time limits on some noise producing items under the Protection of the Environment Operations (Noise Control) Regulation 2017 to ensure that everyone is able to rest without being disturbed by loud noises.
To be a good neighbour, stick to using noise-producing items within these time limits, and try to reduce noise wherever possible.
Power tools and equipment (e.g., powered garden tools such as lawn mowers and leaf blowers, chainsaws, circular saws, air compressors and swimming pool or spa pumps) cannot be used:
- before 7:00am or after 8:00pm on weekdays
- before 8:00am and after 8:00pm on weekends and public holidays
Motor vehicles (except when entering or leaving residential premises) cannot be used:
- before 7:00am or after 8:00pm on weekdays
- before 8:00am and after 8:00pm on weekends and public holidays
Musical instruments and electrically amplified sound equipment (e.g. radios, TVs, stereos, etc.) cannot be heard:
- before 7:00am or after 10:00pm on weekdays (excluding Friday)
- before 8:00am or after 12:00am (midnight) Friday, Saturday, or the day before a public holiday
Air conditioners and heat-pump water heaters cannot be heard:
- before 7:00am or after 10:00pm on weekdays
- before 8:00am and after 10:00pm on weekends and public holidays.
Further information can be found on the EPA's neighbourhood noise page.
In late 2023, the NSW Parliament passed the Vibrancy Reforms. These regulatory reforms were designed to boost NSW’s night-time economy, benefiting live music, hospitality, and creative sectors and workers, and bringing vibrancy back to NSW’s night-time economy and community.
The Vibrancy Reforms designates Liquor & Gaming NSW as the lead regulator for noise complaints under the Liquor Act 2007 associated with licensed venues.
The reforms came into effect on 1 July 2024 and see a streamlined regulatory approach to sound management. These changes only affect licensed venues, there is no change in the primary regulator for managing noise complaints in unlicensed venues.
To learn more about the reform and the relevant changes please go to the NSW Government website.
Further information about these changes and the process for lodging a complaint about noise associated with a licensed premises is available on the Liquor & Gaming NSW website.
The quickest and cheapest way to try to fix a problem is to talk with your neighbour.
If the problem persists, contact a Community Justice Centre (CJC). CJCs are government-funded but independent organisations specialising in mediating and settling neighbour disputes without getting into lengthy or expensive legal processes. The process is free and has a high success rate.
A complaint can be made to Council if you are not able to resolve the problem through a CJC. It is important to keep records of all relevant details, including action already taken and the offending property address.
The EPA provides a number of fact sheets on how to manage common noise concerns:
If none of these solutions work, you can seek a noise abatement order through local courts, but this option should be considered only when all other avenues have failed.
If you are impacted by noise from animals, you can lodge a complaint with Council:
Go to animal complaints
Before contacting Council, it’s important that you complete the noise diary log for a period of 10 days.
The information you provide within the noise diary log will help us to give you the appropriate advice, which may also be used as evidence should we need to take any formal action on your behalf.
Download and complete a noise diary log
Please note: Council can only assist and take action on your behalf if the presence of offensive noise has been established. You must be willing to provide records and statements about the noise impacting you. We cannot investigate anonymous complaints.
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