Operate power tools and powered garden equipment at appropriate times of the day to minimise noise.

None of us likes excessive or unpleasant noise, but it's easy not to notice how much noise is being made when we are focused on doing things for and with other people.

Council advises community volunteers who hold events in community and recreational facilities to minimise noise where possible, in order to lessen the impact on surrounding areas.

Tips for minimising noise include anticipating noise, avoiding noise, and planning to minimise noise.  For example, hold noisy activities in a location away from sensitive neighbours.

Minimising noise when planning events

When planning events, consider:

  • Will noise be loud relative to other noise in the area?
  • Will noise include characteristics that make it particularly irritating?
  • Will noise occur at times when people expect to enjoy peace and quiet?
  • Will the noise occur often?
  • How many people in the neighbourhood will be affected by the noise?

Times of the day to minimise noise

Ensure noise is minimised between 10pm and 7am.

Power Tools

Operate power tools and powered garden equipment (lawn mower, edge-cutter, leaf blower, garden mulcher, chainsaw, circular saw, air compressor etc.):

  • On Sundays and public holidays - After 8am and before 8pm.
  • On any other day - After 7am and before 8pm.

Operate equipment in a way to manage noise, e.g. operate leaf blowers for short periods, avoid revving repeatedly, use at half-maximum power. Ensure noisy equipment has an efficient muffler system, e.g. on compressors, generators.

Sound Equipment

Schedule activities involving sound equipment:

  • On any Friday, Saturday or day immediately before a public holiday - After 8am and before midnight.
  • On any other day - After 8am and before 10pm.

Tips for Public Address (PA) systems

  • Keep the number of external public address system announcements to a minimum, particularly early in the morning and in the evenings.
  • Only permit nominated people to use the PA system.
  • Avoid using the system to provide commentaries.
  • Use speakers with small low-power units / horns.
  • Mount speakers at a downward 45 degree angle.
  • Locate speakers as far down the poles as possible.
  • Attach units to a sound level limiter, so a maximum noise cannot be exceeded, e.g. remove the volume control after a suitable volume is preset.

Additional tips to reduce noise

None of us like excessive or unpleasant noise, but it's easy not to notice how much noise is being made when we are focused on doing things for and with other people. Some additional tips on how you can help to be good neighbours include:

  • Reducing the use of cars, such as by car pooling, or by walking or riding to this community facility.
  • Keeping the speed of cars to a minimum when using the car park, and asking visitors to minimise hard acceleration.
  • Asking visitors to keep voices down when leaving after 7pm.
  • Scheduling any noisy activities for daylight hours or earlier in the evening, as well as using rooms that shield the noise most effectively from the nearest neighbours.
  • Avoiding thumping noises from energetic exercise or childrens' activities.
  • Setting the volume of sound systems for music and announcements to the minimum level necessary, as well as closing windows and blinds as appropriate.
  • Properly supervising childrens' activities to control noisy and rowdy behaviour.

Page Last Updated: 12 Feb 2015