Noise
Residential noise
To help manage neighbourhood noise, the State Government introduced time restrictions on noise from household equipment and vehicles.
NSW Police are best placed to respond to noise complaints after hours (parties and antisocial behaviour).
Commercial noise
Businesses have noise control measures as part of their development consent. Commercial noise includes:
- localised concerts or sporting facilities
- smaller factories, businesses
- backyard workshops
- construction sites
To enquire about a specific business, call our customer service team.
Noise management
Different organisations are responsible for the investigation of noise pollution.
Cessnock City Council is responsible for the investigation of:
- noise from barking dogs
- residential noise that's frequent or ongoing
Other noise pollution must be reported to the organisation responsible for its regulation.
You can obtain the contacts for noise pollution on the NSW Environment Protection Authority website.
Noise Complaints
Before making a noise complaint, you should:
- Talk to the person responsible for the noise
They may not realise that something is bothering you. Explain how it's affecting you and try to find a solution together.
- Contact a Community Justice Centre (CJC) if the problem persists
CJC specialises in settling differences between neighbours without entering into complicated legal processes. A CJC representative can meet with both parties to solve the problem. This process is free and has a high success rate.
Noise investigation by Council
Residents may be required to keep a diary to determine the noise frequency and its impact.
We then seek to make the accused aware of your concerns and their responsibilities. Their response will determine whether we take further action.
Residents that make a noise complaint to Council must be prepared to:
- monitor and report on the issue over time
- provide supportive evidence as requested
- testify in a Court of Law
Our ability to intervene may otherwise be limited or result in no further action being taken.