Noise
Noise complaints are handled by Council and various State Government Departments, like the Queensland Police Service, depending on what is causing the noise and where it is coming from.
Noise complaints dealt with by Council
Events on Council land or entertainment venues, pool pumps, air-conditioners, refrigeration, power tools and construction noise are generally dealt with by Council.
Several prescribed noise standards set out the times and limits for various types of noise.
Who to contact for noise from vehicles (hooning), parties and animals
Various State Government Departments manage the noise complaints outlined below:
- Music, musical instruments, stereos, parties and rowdy behaviour (other than indoor venues or open-air events). Contact Queensland Police on 13 14 44
- Premises with a liquor licence. Contact Office of Liquor & Gaming Regulation on 13 QGOV (13 74 68)
- Noisy vehicles and motorbikes (hooning, revving engines). Contact Queensland Police on 13 14 44 or Department of Transport & Main Roads on 13 23 80 (excessive exhaust noise).
- Native animals and birds. Contact the Department of Environment & Science on 1300 130 372.
- State government properties or activities. Contact Department of Environment & Science on 1300 130 372
What we do
When investigating a noise complaint, Council considers the:
- Amount of noise being emitted
- Frequency, duration and time of the noise and its characteristics and qualities
- Sensitivity of the environment into which the noise is being emitted and the potential impacts
- View of other neighbours or complainants
During the investigation, we may conduct noise monitoring to determine if noise is within the allowed limits.
What you can do
- Be considerate and neighbourly and think about the time or day, duration and volume if you need to conduct noisy activiies
- Ensure noise generating eqipment is operated in accordance with manufacturer's guidelines
- Conduct noisy work as far away from the neighbour’s house as possible or use noise barriers if you can
- Speak to your neighbours if they are causing a noise nuisance and try to resolve the matter before involving the authorities.
Remember that it is an offence under the Environmental Protection Act 1994 to cause an environmental nuisance and penalties can apply.
Noise standards
This table sets out the amount of noise that can be generated by activities that Council investigates.
| Type of noise | When are there restrictions on this noise? | Allowable level (above background noise) |
|---|---|---|
| Air-conditioning equipment | Any day, any time | No louder than 5dB(A) |
| Amplified devices includes loud hailers, megaphones, public address systems, remote telephone bell and repeater bell | Mon-Sat 7am-10pm Mon-Sat 10pm-7am Sunday and public holidays 8am-6pm Sunday and public holidays 6pm-8am | No louder than 10dB(A) No audible noise allowed No louder than 10db(A) No audible noise allowed |
| Building work*, including altering, maintaining or demolishing a building | Mon-Sat 6.30pm-6.30am Sundays and public holidays, any time | No audible noise allowed No audible noise allowed |
| Indoor venues, not including liquor licensed premises | Any day 7am-10pm Any day 10pm-midnight Any day midnight-7am | No louder than 5dB(A) No louder than 3dB(A) No audible noise allowed |
| Open-air events (other limits apply at some Council venues) | Any day 7am-10pm Any day 10pm-midnight Any day midnight-7am | No louder than 70dB(A) The lesser of 50dB(A) and 10dB(A) above background noise No audible noise |
| Power boat engine at premises | Mon-Sat 7pm-7am Sunday and public holidays 6.30pm-8am | No audible noise allowed No audible noise allowed |
| Pumps, including swimming pool and spa pumps | Any day 7am-7pm Any day 7pm-7am | No louder than 5dB(A) No louder than 3dB(A) |
| Refrigeration equipment | Any day at any time | No louder than 5dB(A) |
| Regulated devices Includes power tools, generators and lawn mowers | Mon-Sat 7pm-7am Sunday and public holidays 7pm-8am | No audible noise allowed No audible noise allowed |
*Building work does not apply to a person carrying out building work at a premises used by the person only for residential purposes, except if under an owner builder permit.
Terms explained
- Audible noise means noise that can be clearly heard by the occupier of an affected building.
- Background noise is the level made up by typical ambient noises of the surroundings such as traffic and birds.
- There are other noise standards for activities such as power boat sports, outdoor shooting ranges and blasting.
- Creating noise within prescribed levels and times can still constitute a nuisance if deemed to be excessive.
Last Updated: 7 December 2022
Latest News > All News
Maintenance works on Esplanade viewing platform
Maintenance works on the western viewing platform on the Cairns Esplanade, behind the Reef Eye Ferris Wheel are scheduled to...
Council reaffirms water security is its top priority
Council has reaffirmed that the Cairns Water Security – Stage 1 project (CWSS1) remains its number one advocacy priority and...
Council commits support for Cairns Amateurs
Council has endorsed the transfer of $225,000 in sponsorship to the Cairns Jockey Club Inc to help deliver the next...