Noise

Residential noise issues

Before making a formal noise complaint it’s best to speak directly with your neighbour first. Often, people don’t realise how much noise they’re making, and a calm, polite conversation can resolve the issue without escalation.

Here are a few tips for that conversation:

• Choose a good time – Avoid approaching them when you’re angry or when the noise is happening.
• Be polite and specific – Explain clearly what kind of noise is bothering you and when it tends to occur.
• Focus on the problem, not the person – Use “I” statements (e.g., “I find it hard to sleep when...”) rather than blaming language.
• Suggest solutions – For example, they could lower the volume, or set quieter hours.
• Keep notes – Record when you spoke and what was agreed upon, in case the issue continues later.

What You Need to Do When Dealing with Noise Problems

1. Try to Resolve the Problem Through Mediation

In many cases, noise issues can be resolved by speaking directly with the person or business responsible. Often, they simply don’t realise the noise is causing a disturbance and will be willing to make changes once they’re made aware.

You can:

• Talk to them in person – Choose a calm moment to discuss the issue politely. Refer to the tips listed above.
• Leave a friendly note or letter – If you don’t feel comfortable talking directly, write a short message explaining the problem and how it affects you.

Be tactful when raising the issue. Your neighbour or the business might not realise there’s a problem. Approach the conversation with understanding and aim for a cooperative tone.

2. Seek Mediation Assistance

If your neighbour refuses to discuss the issue or you’re unable to reach an agreement, you can contact LawAccess NSW for free help.

LawAccess NSW can:

• Provide free mediation services, helping both parties talk through the problem with the assistance of an independent mediator.
• Offer legal advice and referrals to other services if needed.

Mediation gives you and your neighbour the chance to resolve the dispute informally, without having to start lengthy or costly legal processes. The mediator’s role is to stay neutral and help both sides communicate effectively to find a practical solution.

3. Complete a Noise Log Record Sheet and Contact AlburyCity

If you’ve been unable to resolve the issue directly with your neighbour or through mediation, you can contact AlburyCity for further assistance.

Before getting in touch, it’s important to:

• Complete a noise log record sheet for a period of 14 days (available to download from the AlburyCity website).
• Send the completed log to info@alburycity.nsw.gov.au.

The information you provide in the noise log record sheet will:

• Help AlburyCity assess your complaint and provide appropriate advice.
• Serve as evidence if formal action becomes necessary.

Please note that AlburyCity can only assist or act on your behalf once the noise issue has been verified.

Offensive Noise

If you’re affected by offensive noise, you also have the option to seek a Noise Abatement Order independently of AlburyCity.

You can lodge your own evidence of the noise impact with the court.

For more information, visit the NSW EPA website .

Residential Noise Sources

The Protection of the Environmental Operations (POEO) Act 1997 places time restrictions on noise from certain equipment in residential premises which should not be audible inside habitable rooms of any other residential premises.