Amplifier devices

Amplifier devices include items such as:

• loud-hailers
• megaphones
• public address systems
• remote telephone bells
• telephone repeater bells

Noise limits

If noise from an amplifier device exceeds the following levels at a neighbour's premises, the owner or operator of the device may be issued with a fine.

Permitted amplifier devices noise levels

In some circumstances, activities and equipment operating within the prescribed levels and times may also be assessed against the general emission criteria and noise emission criteria identified within the Environmental Protection Act 1994. If the noise is deemed a nuisance when assessed against these criteria, the responsible person may be issued an Environmental Enforcement Order requiring them to cease causing the nuisance.

Exemptions

These noise limits do not apply if Council has prescribed a limit in a development approval or local law approval for specific equipment or activities for amplifier devices at a property. In this circumstance, the person/company must comply with the conditions placed on the approval.

Ways to reduce noise

To help reduce noise from amplifier devices, you can:

• limit hours of use
• select a quieter alternative
• locate amplifier devices as far away as possible from neighbours and away from sensitive areas, such as bedroom windows
• erect a solid fence or barrier

How to lodge a complaint

If an amplifier device noise is causing a nuisance outside allowable hours, Council will attend the site and affected address to conduct an investigation. To report noise complaints, phone Council on 07 3403 8888. It is preferable to phone when the noise is occurring to ensure a prompt response.

If you are not comfortable having Council attend your property, you can submit specific information and evidence to Council. This information includes:

• an environmental nuisance diary
• recordings
• any other form of evidence supporting your complaint; and
• a statutory declaration that the information you provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

It is important to note, statutory declarations and supplementary information can be used as supporting evidence for enforcement action. In these circumstances, you may be required to present the evidence before the court.

Environmental Nuisance diary

Before Council can take further action we need to understand your complaint and how it impacts you.

You must complete an environmental nuisance diary. The diary must be returned to Council within 20 working days if the complaint is not resolved. The information provided in the diary helps Council to action your complaint.

Download the: 

• Environmental nuisance diary (Word - 118kb).

Recordings

Council encourages the use of technology to record regulated amplifier device noise. This can assist to substantiate a complaint and be good supporting evidence. For example, you could provide a video of the person creating the alleged noise nuisance, or an audio recording accompanied by a picture of the activity creating the alleged nuisance can be good supporting evidence.

When you submit a recording, a video or a picture to Council certain particulars need to accompany that submission in order to ensure it is useful to the investigating officer.

The particulars needed to accompany the electronic evidence include:

1. When the recording, video or picture was taken, identify:
   • the date
   • the time
   • your name
   • your location
   • the location of the regulated noise being recorded
   • where the recording was taken at your residence
   • where you placed the recorder to record the regulated noise
   • when you finish recording please state the time again.
      
2. Let the recorder run uninterrupted for the entire time
    
3. Provide a short statutory declaration that the information you provided is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

Failure to provide the above information in support of your electronic evidence may lessen the value of the evidence.