Noise disturbances

It is always good protocol to warn neighbours about these kinds of activities. Noise is less of a problem if it is not unexpected. This means if an instrument is played regularly, make some arrangement for suitable practice times.

If one neighbour works odd hours, it helps for the other neighbours to know when that person is sleeping so noisy activities can be performed elsewhere or at a more convenient time when the noise won't disturb them. Some form of noise-proofing or insulation to one or both houses could help.

Music noise from a party will generally exceed the assigned levels set by the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997, however, most neighbours will generally tolerate "one-off parties" if they have been advised of the following in advance:

• the date of the party - neighbours can make alternative arrangements to go out for the evening
• the music will be switched off at midnight
• a phone number to ring if the music gets too loud.

If the above guidelines have been followed and the party noise/behaviour is in your opinion, unreasonable, neighbours can lodge a complaint by phone with the local police or in writing to the City's Environmental Health Services.

The noisy neighbour should be made aware of the problem and similar ideas to those presented above could be tried, however, if your neighbours are unapproachable or threatening, you may wish to call the Police Assistance Centre on 131 444

Work out the hours they occur and try to arrange your activities accordingly as it may not be possible for the neighbour to alter their driving habits if they travel to work early in the morning.

Noise from lawn mowing, chainsaws and other mechanical equipment should be negotiated with your neighbour, especially if it is occurring before 9am on weekends for example.

Noise from airconditioners and central airconditioning systems can disturb neighbours, disrupt sleep, interfere with normal daily activities and significantly impact on a person’s health. Correct design, installation and maintenance of an airconditioner will not only help to reduce noise impacts, but can also offer improved efficiency, performance and value for money.

Most refrigerative airconditioners sold in Western Australia are required under law to be labelled with their outside sound power level. When comparing airconditioners, you should check the sound power level label on the unit or in the information booklet. The smaller the number of dB(A) on the label, the quieter the airconditioner so comparing labels on units of the same capacity can allow you to select a quieter unit. Room airconditioners are generally noisier than split systems of the same capacity but are often put high in the wall, which can reduce the usefulness of fences as noise barriers.

Evaporative coolers do not come with sound power level labels but manufacturers should be able to give you sound power levels for each model. As with refrigerative airconditioners, the noise levels between units does vary and comparing sound power levels between units of the same capacity enables you to select a quieter unit.

The majority of the advice provided below can also be applied to the installation of such equipment as pool pumps and spa pumps.

Please refer to the following information sheet.

Aircraft, roads and rail are exempt from the provisions of the Environmental Protection (Noise) Regulations 1997.

For problems relating to the following, please contact:

• Aircraft - call Air Services Australia on 1800 802 584
• Roads and trains - call Public Transport Authority on 9326 2541