Dust can not only be a nuisance to neighbours, but if severe enough can also cause damage to property and affect people's health.
It is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to cause a dust nuisance. Council enforces this legislation and following a complaint, can take the appropriate action required as determined necessary in the circumstances.
What we do
When investigating a dust complaint, Council considers the:
- Amount of dust being emitted
- Duration and rate of emission
- The dust's characteristics and qualities
- Sensitivity of the environment into which the dust is being emitted and the potential impacts
- The impact of the dust on any other neighbours
Penalties
If, after investigating a complaint, Council is able to establish an offence has occurred, Council may:
- Issue an on-the-spot fine
- Issue a Direction Notice to the offender to rectify the problem within a certain time-frame
- Prosecute the offender in court
What you can do
Ways you can reduce dust emissions include:
- Plan the work required and try to carry it out in stages
- Consider weather conditions before starting work
- Retain vegetation - even low or small amounts of plants can significantly lower wind speed and reduce the amount of dust leaving a site
- Use any onsite waste as a dust barrier
- Erect a dust fence
- Regularly spray water onto topsoil
- Use products such as hydromulch for large areas
Reporting a dust issue
You can report excessive dust online through our Online Self Service Portal (choose Other Council Matters) or on by ringing Council on 1300 69 22 47.
