New neighbourhood noise rules are now in force in NSW, providing benefits for residents and making it easier for councils, police and transport officers to regulate local noise concerns.
The state's Noise Control Regulation has been updated after extensive consultation with communities and regulators led by the NSW Environment Protection Authority (EPA).
EPA Executive Director of Policy Programs and Finance Asela Atapattu said the updated rules allow people to carry out their everyday activities while managing common neighbourhood noise issues.
"We know the impact that offensive or disruptive noise can have on people - that's why it's important that neighbourhood noise standards are meeting community expectations," Mr Atapattu said.
"As part of a statutory review, we have made commonsense changes to the Regulation that reflect the latest developments in technology and people's lifestyles.
"We have increased fines for most noise offences by a third, and we have doubled on-the-spot fines for noise from motor vehicles, which was a key concern raised in the consultation.
"Some of the new rules also address emerging climate risks, such as exempting air conditioner units from noise restrictions during a severe or extreme heatwaves."
The Noise Control Regulation does not regulate noise from liquor licenced premises, such as pubs, clubs or premises within special entertainment precincts. It covers common neighbourhood noise sources like motor vehicles, power tools and air conditioners as well as noise from marine vessels.
The key changes to the Regulation include:
- Increasing penalties for noise offences, including doubling on-the-spot fines for noisy vehicles
- Making the owners or occupiers of private property liable for off-road motor vehicle noise
- Exempting air conditioners from restrictive hours of use rules during heatwaves
- Extending the permitted hours of use for residential pumps and air conditioners
- Adding microphones and megaphones to regulated devices from marine vessels
- Exempting child presence detection alarms in cars from noise requirements
- Increasing the timeframes for regulators to issue warnings and penalties
