Noise complaints
If it is appropriate and safe to do so, before making a complaint, Council encourages you to first discuss any noise issues with the people making the noise. They may not even know the noise is a problem and this could quickly resolve the issue.
Below are some common sources of noise concerns and the authorities you can contact to report a complaint. If you are unsure who to contact, you can always contact Council and we can assist you.
Residential noise
Residential noise is noise from a residential premises that does not relate to residential construction and demolition noise, including:
- air conditioners used for cooling
- vacuum cleaners
- pool pumps or home heaters
- stereo systems/tv, radios, musical instruments, PA systems
- equipment - lawn mowers, power tools, electric saws, gas or air compressors, pneumatic power tools
- electrical equipment (gardening tools etc.)
- vehicles on private property.
Residential noise and the law
Visit the EPA website for further information about residential noise, including:
- when residential noise is unreasonable
- environment protection regulations and residential noise
- prohibited times for residential noise
- exceptions to prohibited times
- common residential noise issues and how the law applies to them.
Report noise complaint
- Victoria Police when you need a response after hours or in response to noise from antisocial behaviour.
Phone: 131 444
Report online
Barking dogs
Dogs bark to express excitement, boredom, stress, anxiety or to let you know they’re defending their territory. But ongoing barking, whining or howling can be incredibly distressing for neighbours and owners.
Report noise complaint
Council, in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994, has developed a process to deal with excessive nuisance barking.
Report a barking dog
Commercial or industrial noise
Commercial or industrial noise includes:
- restaurants
- gyms
- supermarkets
- manufacturing
- utilities.
Report noise complaint
Building works including construction and demolition
Noise related to construction and demolition, including:
- construction noise
- tools
- machinery
- music from a construction site.
Building works noise and the law
Council’s Community Local Law sets out normal work hours for building work on land without a permit:
- From 7am to 6pm on weekdays
- From 9am to 3pm on Saturdays
- Building work is not permitted on Sundays or public holidays.
These times do not apply to building works which are inaudible or not causing a nuisance.
A council approved permit may allow for some noise from building works to occur outside these hours with reasonable justification.
Report noise complaint
Council facilities noise
Council facilities include halls and sporting clubs.
Report noise complaint
Major infrastructure projects
Major infrastructure projects include:
Report noise complaint
Music from entertainment venues
Entertainment venues include:
- theatres and concert halls
- sporting events
- stadiums and festival grounds
- pubs, clubs and bars.
Report noise complaint
- Liquor Commission Victoria when reporting noise from licenced premises including pubs, clubs and bars.
Phone: 1300 182 457
Report online
- Victoria Police when you need a response after hours or in response to noise from antisocial behaviour.
Phone: 131 444
Report online
Public places
Public places includes noise from parties on Council land.
Report noise complaint
Workplace noise
Report noise complaint
- Noise at your work site or office should be reported to your employer.
- Victorian Workcover Authority if you are unhappy with your employers response.
Phone: 03 9628 8115
Schools
Report noise complaint
- Noise complaints for private schools may be reported to the schools administration.
How to report a noise complaint to Council
If your noise complaint is one that Council can address, you will need to provide:
- type of noise
- dates and times of the noise occurring
- address where the noise is occurring
- where on your property the noise is affecting you (for example the backyard, kitchen, bedroom etc.)
- your name and contact telephone number.
A Council Officer will contact you to discuss your concerns before any action is taken. In most cases, they will require you to keep records of the noise. Sometimes your noise complaint may need to be referred to another team within Council or another authority. Council will keep you updated.
Report online
Contact Council