In Victoria, we have laws that control noise, including planning and local laws. EPA and other government regulators also have a role in managing noise and its impacts.

Noise can be annoying or disturbing. If the noise continues or is too loud, it can impact on your health and wellbeing.

Noise coming from a residence can be unreasonable at any time of the day if it’s impacting a neighbouring residence. There are laws which prohibit noise from equipment used at residences at certain times.

Transport noise from individual vehicles, road traffic, trams and trains can disturb sleep and have other health impacts. Laws restrict noise levels from individual vehicles. State Government policies set noise standards for the design of new road and rail transport infrastructure.

Construction noise comes from activities such as demolition, site preparation and building. Work practices and normal working hours control construction noise. Major infrastructure noise can come from large building projects such as freeways, tunnels and rail lines.

Music noise from both indoor and outdoor venues and outdoor entertainment events must comply with noise limits. Venue operators and event managers must take reasonable steps to manage their activities to minimise the risk of harm from noise. There are also rules restricting the operating hours and number of outdoor concerts held in a year.

Noise from commercial, industrial and trade businesses must minimise the risk of harm to human health and the environment as a result of noise from their premises and comply with noise limits. Businesses must make sure that any noise from their activities or premises doesn’t unreasonably impact the local community.

Find out more about the different types of noise and, if it’s unreasonable, how to report it.

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Noise legislation

Noise guidance for businesses