With the end of the year approaching, police want to advise the community that the responsibility of enforcing noise control regulations is shared between the Environment Protection Authority (EPA), local government, and NSW Police Force.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
If you require police to attend to a noise complaint, telephone your local station or the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
You will need to tell the operator the exact location where the noise is coming from and describe the type of noise.
If you are concerned about noise from a loud party, there are time restrictions on loud music.
In NSW, there are restrictions on noise from musical instruments and sound systems which are commonly used at parties. Noise from music that can be heard in any habitable rooms of a neighbouring residence must cease during certain times: midnight to 8am on Friday, Saturday or any day preceding a public holiday and 10pm to 8am on any other day.
If you're the host of the party, there are a few things you can do to make sure that your partying doesn't disturb your neighbours.
Notify your neighbours in advance. Tell them about your party plans. Give them your contact details so that they can contact you directly (rather than the police) with any concerns. Having advance warning may reduce concerns on the night of your party.
Ask guests to be quiet when they leave.
Move indoors. As the evening gets later, move music and guests inside.
Be considerate with your sound system. Make sure your speakers are not facing towards a neighbour. Also think about turning down the bass as this is often what bothers neighbours.
A noise abatement direction may be issued at any time of the day or night and can remain in force for up to 28 days from the time it was issued.
A person who fails to comply with it can be issued with an on-the-spot fine of $200 ($400 for a corporation). Noise abatement directions cannot be appealed against.
