Noise disturbances

What to do if you are experiencing noise disturbance

If you are experiencing noise disturbance, speak to the person that is causing the noise as soon as the problem arises, expressing your case honestly and respectfully. In many instances, they are unaware that they are causing a problem and will quickly remedy the situation.

If this does not work, you may need to consider other alternatives such as mediation or approaching the City of Rockingham, local Police or Department of Environment and Conservation, to investigate your situation.

Please note that all noise issues to be investigated by the City's Health Services will be dealt with once written details have been received.

Types of noise sources creating annoyance

Here are examples of some noise sources that can cause complaints:-

• party noise, loud stereos
• practice of musical instruments
• lawn mowers, power tools and other devices
• airconditioners, pool pumps, spas and heaters
• burglar alarms, car alarms and other security devices
• thumping, crashing and other unidentifiable noises heard through dividing walls/ceilings and many more.

This is not intended to be a comprehensive list, but rather to give you an idea of the range of problems that we can help with.

Generally speaking, the Environment Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997 control noise emissions from the majority of noise sources.

Involving the City of Rockingham

The information provided here is not legal advice and has been included to help you start thinking about the issues involved. There are a number of authorities that may be able to assist with a noise problem.

Noise issues are investigated by both City Environmental Health Officers and police officers. If you are not completely satisfied with the action of the police or the City, you can take the matter to court yourself although we do recommend you attempt to solve the issue before a court is necessary.

Party noise, loud stereos and musical instruments

It is always good protocol to warn neighbours about these kinds of activities. Noise is less of a problem if it is not unexpected. This means if an instrument is played regularly, make some arrangement for suitable practice times.

If one neighbour works odd hours, it helps for the other neighbours to know when that person is sleeping so noisy activities can be performed elsewhere or at a more convenient time when the noise won't disturb them. Some form of noise-proofing or insulation to one or both houses could help.

Music noise from a party will generally exceed the assigned levels set by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, however, most neighbours will generally tolerate "one-off parties" if they have been advised of the following in advance:

• the date of the party - neighbours can make alternative arrangements to go out for the evening
• the music will be switched off at midnight
• a phone number to ring if the music gets too loud.

If the above guidelines have been followed and the party noise/behaviour is in your opinion, unreasonable, neighbours can lodge a complaint by phone with the local police or in writing to the City's Environmental Health Services.

Domestic noises, children, raised voices, swearing neighbours or thumping

The noisy neighbour should be made aware of the problem and similar ideas to those presented above could be tried, however, if your neighbours are unapproachable or threatening, you may wish to call the Police Assistance Centre on 131 444.

Lawn mowers, power tools or cars reversing

Work out the hours they occur and try to arrange your activities accordingly as it may not be possible for the neighbour to alter their driving habits if they travel to work early in the morning.

Noise from lawn mowing, chainsaws and other mechanical equipment should be negotiated with your neighbour, especially if it is occurring before 9am on weekends for example.

Noise from airconditioners

Noise from airconditioners and central airconditioning systems can disturb neighbours, disrupt sleep, interfere with normal daily activities and significantly impact on a person’s health. Correct design, installation and maintenance of an airconditioner will not only help to reduce noise impacts, but can also offer improved efficiency, performance and value for money.

Most refrigerative airconditioners sold in Western Australia are required under law to be labelled with their outside sound power level. When comparing airconditioners, you should check the sound power level label on the unit or in the information booklet. The smaller the number of dB(A) on the label, the quieter the airconditioner so comparing labels on units of the same capacity can allow you to select a quieter unit. Room airconditioners are generally noisier than split systems of the same capacity but are often put high in the wall, which can reduce the usefulness of fences as noise barriers.

Evaporative coolers do not come with sound power level labels but manufacturers should be able to give you sound power levels for each model. As with refrigerative airconditioners, the noise levels between units does vary and comparing sound power levels between units of the same capacity enables you to select a quieter unit.

The majority of the advice provided below can also be applied to the installation of such equipment as pool pumps and spa pumps.

A number of information sheets are available that can provide further information on specific noise issues.

Noise from aircraft, rail and roads

Aircraft, roads and rail are exempt from the provisions of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

For problems relating to the following, please contact:

Aircraft - call Air Services Australia on 1800 802 584
Roads and trains - call Public Transport Authority on 9326 2541.

Noise from construction work

Please refer to the following information sheet.