Local law enforcement and neighbourhood complaints
Find out how we investigate, regulate and enforce legislation. Understand the neighbourhood disputes process.
Under the City of Brisbane Act 2010, Council can make and enforce local laws for the good rule of Brisbane.
Local laws are statutory instruments made by local governments to regulate issues within a community. In Brisbane, our local laws help to:
- protect our community, environment and wildlife
- regulate and manage activities that may impact our neighbourhoods
- achieve the Brisbane Vision 2031 of a safe, vibrant, green and prosperous city.
We also investigate complaints about neighbourhood disturbances and prosecute for breaches of local laws.
Compliance and regulatory services
Council is responsible for enforcing legislation to keep the public safe and protect our natural and built environments.
We regulate and enforce legislation about:
- neighbourhood complaints involving noise, air, odour, light, stormwater pollution
- parking and permits including parking meters, tickets, signs and markings
- natural assets such as overgrown land, invasive species, street trees and protected vegetation
- animal management including animal registration, permit requirements and owning a pet in Brisbane
- abandoned or unmanaged vehicles including vehicles that are hazardous, unregistered, abandoned, or dilapidated
- roadside vendors who set up stalls, booths, stands, stationary vehicles, and/or tables and chairs on the side of a road
- footpath and driveway complaints including works on the footway and driveways
- camping overnight on a road or road-related area
- health, safety and amenity such as waste, graffiti management, fire pits, pools and junk mail.
Neighbourhood complaints
Council investigates complaints made about common neighbourhood issues including spray drift, odour, light and graffiti.
We encourage residents to try to resolve the issue themselves before making a complaint.
Neighbour disputes
Disputes between neighbours can often be resolved through friendly communication.
If your neighbour is causing an issue, talk to them about it. They may not be aware that their activities are disturbing you.
Learn about common neighbour disputes, including:
If you're having a disagreement and not making progress, the Queensland Government offers dispute resolution services.
Learn more about how neighbourhood mediation can help.
State and local laws enforcement
Council is also responsible for enforcing some laws legislated by the Queensland Government.
These laws relate to:
- signage
- food hygiene
- illegal use of premises
- footway permits
- building
- refuse control
- parking.
Under some Queensland Government laws, you need a permit or licence to carry out certain activities.
These permits and licences include:
- building permits
- development approvals
- plumbing and drainage permits
- food business licences
- personal appearance services
- dog registration.
Find information about permits and licensing for:
From time to time, the Queensland Government authorises local governments to regulate matters under state legislation. This means that Council may investigate and enforce certain matters in accordance with the legislation.
Prosecution Policy
Council takes legal action in line with the principles outlined in our Prosecution Policy.
The policy details how we prosecute for alleged offences under:
- our local laws
- any state legislation we're responsible for enforcing.
Frequently asked questions
You can pay your fine online, in person, by mail or phone.
You have 28 days from the issue date to pay your fine.
If your neighbour has made a complaint about you, take steps to resolve the issue.
For example, if you receive a noise complaint, identify the source of the noise and ensure it only occurs during permitted times.
If you don’t address the issue and it continues to disturb your neighbours, Council may investigate further and take enforcement action.
Learn more about neighbourhood complaints.
You can make a complaint about your neighbour to Council.
Before you make a complaint, talk to your neighbour about the issue. They may not know their activities are causing a disturbance.
If they ignore your concerns and the issue continues, make a complaint to Council.
Find out about common neighbour disputes and how to handle them.