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Noise guide for local government

image: Noise guide for local government cover
About this publication

Also available as PDF
(requires Acrobat Reader).

 

The Noise Guide for Local Government aims to provide practical guidance to council officers in the day-to-day management of local noise problems and in the interpretation of existing policy and legislation.

The Guide focuses on how to assess and manage noise issues dealt with by council officers, such as neighbour-to-neighbour problems and those resulting from commercial or industrial premises.

Importantly, the Guide is also aimed at planners. It outlines planning considerations that can have a significant bearing on prevention of future noise problems.

The Guide is advisory in nature, and council officers are encouraged to use it to develop council procedures or policy to deal with noise issues relevant to local circumstances.

Note: This document has been ammended following changes to the  POEO Act.

Download Parts 1-5 & 7 (nglg07030.pdf  1345 kb)

Download Part 6 Appendixes 1-6 (nglgappendix07030.pdf 1084 kb)

Contents

Part 1—Framework for noise control outlines the legal framework for noise control and the distribution of responsibility for dealing with noise problems.

Part 2— Noise assessment describes the key noise assessment procedures that council officers may use when deciding whether noise is a problem. These tools include assessments of time of use and audibility, duration of alarms and offensive noise, and noise measurement.

Part 3—Noise management principles describes the range of mitigation strategies to prevent or minimise noise impacts from both planning and management perspectives.

Part 4—Regulating noise impacts identifies the statutory processes that are available to avoid or control noise.

Part 5— Case studies illustrate how the assessment and management tools available can be used to help control some common noise problems.

The alphabetical index  is intended to help with quick access to a particular noise issue. The document includes cross-references to other relevant material throughout the text. A glossary ( is included to explain commonly used terms.

Part 6 Appendixes

Appendix 1 Managing noise impacts on residents for particular issues: Quick reference guide

Appendix 2 'Modifying factor' adjustments

Appendix 3 Technical notes

Appendix 4 Templates for notices

Appendix 5 Australian Environmental Council brochure: Air conditioner noise

Appendix 6 Australian Environmental Council brochure: Noise from swimming and spa pools 

Part 7 References and index

 

 

Page last updated: 12 March 2008