Before you make a complaint
If you are experiencing noise from a neighbouring property, we encourage you to speak with your neighbour first. While this conversation can sometimes feel difficult, many people are unaware that their activities are affecting others and may be willing to work with you to resolve the issue.
If you do not feel comfortable speaking with your neighbour directly, you may wish to write them a polite letter outlining your concerns. The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) also provides resources to help residents have constructive conversations about neighbourhood noise.
Residential noise is regulated by EPA Victoria, which sets restrictions on when certain types of noise can occur. It is an offence to make unreasonable noise from residential properties, and there are prohibited times for noise from equipment such as lawn mowers, chainsaws and other machinery.
For more information about residential noise requirements and prohibited times, visit the Environmental Protection Authority website.
Mediation
If you can’t reach a solution with your neighbour, the Department of Justice offers a free and confidential mediation service. The service is a simpler and cheaper alternative to taking civil disputes through the courts.
Both people need to choose to take part in the process. However, 85% of disputes using this mediation service end in an agreement.
For more information, visit the Disputes Victoria website or call them on 1300 372 888.
When to contact Council
If talking to the person or trying mediation doesn’t work, we may be able to investigate your noise concern.
Barking dogs
We can investigate issues with barking dogs. You can find more information on our Barking dog complaints page.
Residential construction, demolition and alarm noise
We can investigate issues with residential construction, demolition and alarm noise. Contact us for more support or information.
Noise logs
You must complete a 4-week noise log and submit it with your complaint. The log should be completed as accurately and thoroughly as possible each day over 4 consecutive weeks, including days when you do not hear the noise.
The noise log helps us identify the frequency, pattern and impact of the noise. It may also be used as evidence if legal action is required.
The noise log helps us work out the trend and scale of the problem, as well as how it affects you. These logs can also be used as evidence in court.
Additional noise logs may be required. Depending on the circumstances of your complaint, you may be asked to complete additional noise logs to help Council assess and investigate the matter.
If your noise log is incomplete, we may be unable to investigate your complaint.
You can submit your noise log by:
- email at [email protected]
- post to Health Services at 511 Burwood Highway, Wantirna South VIC 3152.
After you submit your noise log, a member of our Health Services team will review the information and contact you about the next steps. We aim to contact you within 3 business days.
In most cases, your identity will remain confidential and will only be disclosed if required as part of legal proceedings.
Download the noise log template (PDF)
When to contact Victoria Police
Late night music and party noise
If you are being disturbed by after-hours noise from music and parties, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
Victoria Police can visit the property and order them to stop or reduce the volume through powers under the Environment Protection Act 1970.
Antisocial behaviour
If you are being disturbed by antisocial behaviour, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
This can include:
- fighting
- foul language
- loitering
- domestic disputes.
Always call Triple Zero (000) if there is immediate danger or your neighbour is threatening or aggressive.
When to contact the Environment Protection Authority Victoria
Commercial or industrial noise
The Environment Protection Authority investigates commercial and industrial noise.
This includes noise from:
- offices
- shops
- factories
- entertainment venues and outdoor music events
- loud vehicles
- mines and quarries
- farms
- commercial and industrial construction
- demolition sites.
To report noise from a commercial, industrial or trade property, call their 24-hour hotline on 1300 372 842.
Concrete pours
Concrete pours are classed as ‘unavoidable works’ under the Environment Protection Authority guidelines.
For information about how long the work will take or when it will finish, contact the site supervisor. Their contact details should be on the temporary fencing.
Need help?
Contact us and we will get back to you.
Or call our Customer Service team on 9298 8000.
