Residential Noise – Contribute to review
EPA Victoria is looking at the Environment Protection (Residential Noise) Regulations 1997, which set out when noisy equipment can be used on a residential property.
For an outline of the review process, please see the Information Bulletin: Review of Regulations for Residential Noise
Residents
Local Government
Victoria Police
Construction Industry
Residents
EPA held a series of story gathering sessions around Melbourne in late October, where residents shared their stories about noisy residential neighbours.
In these sessions we invited Victorian residents to share their story of what happened, how the noise affected them and what they did to deal with the noise. We focused on noises such as stereos, televisions, parties, air conditioners, renovation and building activities.
The story sessions covered noise from one residential property affecting another, but didn’t look at noise from commercial properties, construction of commercial buildings, noisy dogs, rubbish collection, traffic and hoons on the street.
EPA held story gathering sessions in:
- Traralgon
- St Albans
- Cranbourne
- Collingwood and
- Melbourne CBD
We also conducted phone interviews and received written stories from people in a range of locations across Melbourne.
The stories were recorded, transcribed and personal details removed. They were then discussed in a local government working group, where participants looked at story themes and problems and used them to develop guidance for local government and the community.
If you are interested in the outcomes of the working group and the story gathering process please contact residentialnoise@epa.vic.gov.au or contact Eliot Palmer on 96952637.
Local Government
As local government investigate residential noise matters we have sought their views through an on-line survey and workshops.
In June 2007, the Municipal Association of Victoria distributed an on-line survey to Victorian local governments. During the last week of August 2007 EPA Victoria hosted workshops to seek local government views on residential noise.
We received a wide range of valuable feedback on topics such as air conditioners and fixed plant, residential construction, music and section 48A of the Environment Protection Act.
The next stage involved a working group focusing on new options for the regulations and the enforcement of residential noise issues. The working group listened to noise stories from residents (personal details were removed) and used these to develop guidance for local government and the community.
If you are interested in the outcomes of the working group and the story gathering process please contact residentialnoise@epa.vic.gov.au or contact Eliot Palmer on 96952637.
Victoria Police
As Victoria Police respond to calls about noise from residential neighbours (usually late night parties and loud music) we have sought their views through an on-line survey.
Victoria Police members also participated in the local government working group.
Construction Industry
The regulations set out the times when noisy construction works may be carried out on residential properties.
As background to this review, EPA met with representatives from the construction industry on the regulation of construction noise.
Construction industry representatives told us that the current regulations for residential noise are inflexible and constrain industry, particularly on Saturdays, where noisy work cannot be started before 9am if it impacts on residents. Industry is also concerned that the regulations apply to all residential construction sites, which means the requirements for subdivision and high-rise apartments are the same for building work on individual houses.
The next stage of consultation with the construction industry is a working group with local government and EPA. In this we will focus on noise from construction of residential properties. The working group will meet over the coming months and will help to work out new approaches for the regulations and related guidance.
If you are interested in the construction noise working group please contact residentialnoise@epa.vic.gov.a