A wind energy facility is a group of wind turbines used to produce electricity from wind. This electricity is exported into the common electrical grid.
Wind turbine noise can vary depending on:
- your distance from the turbine
- the turbine model
- the environment
- weather conditions such as wind speed
- faults with the turbine.
Wind turbine noise does not include noise from substations and electricity transmission infrastructure. This is considered commercial, industrial and trade noise.
Wind turbine noise and the law
The Environment Protection Regulations 2021(opens in a new window) set out requirements for wind turbine noise. The Regulations describe what wind energy facilities must do to make sure that noise:
- is not unreasonable
- meets the general environmental duty.
This includes:
- following noise limits
- doing a post-construction noise assessment
- developing a noise management plan
- providing annual statements
- monitoring wind turbine noise every 5 years.
To learn more, visit Wind energy facility turbine noise regulation guidelines.
To construct a wind farm, you must get planning approval from the Department of Transport and Planning(opens in a new window) (DTP). DTP sets conditions for noise during construction and manages compliance.
Our role in wind turbine noise
We regulate wind turbine noise from a wind energy facility once it begins operating. This includes the requirements for post-construction noise assessments and periodic monitoring during the life of the wind energy facility.
We appoint and oversee the conduct of environmental auditors.
We develop guidance to help:
- wind energy facility operators understand and comply with the law
- environmental auditors verify noise assessment activities.
We enforce the law to protect human health and the environment.
We investigate noise complaints about wind turbines only when the complaint cannot be resolved by the wind energy facility operator.
Impact of wind turbine noise on your health
Some people have concerns about the potential health effects of living near a wind farm.
In 2018, the Australian Government set up the Independent Scientific Committee on Wind Turbines(opens in a new window) to look at evidence on the possible effects of wind turbine noise.
More information on potential health impacts of wind turbine noise is available from the National Health and Medical Research Council(opens in a new window).
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